Farmers Weekly NZ March 1 2021 by AgriHQ

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Quality to bring rewards farmers to submit their full farm dairy records to the cooperative by June 30, 2022, one month earlier than the previously required deadline. Farmers would have to develop an animal wellbeing plan with their veterinarians to ensure animal welfare standards are met. Fonterra has also partnered with DairyNZ to use its Workplace 360 tool to make sure farmers are compliant around health and safety, labour practices and staff wages. Allen says the tool has three parts and farmers would have to achieve 100% on its first part. The environmental requirement will mean farmers either having a farm environment plan (FEP) or be on a waiting list to be getting such a plan. These plans can be either a Fonterra-created plan or a certified plan drawn up by a consultant. He says about 45% of its farms had such a plan, as it hopes to achieve having all farmers with FEPs by 2025.

Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz

EN cents of Fonterra’s farmgate milk price will be determined by the farmer’s environmental and milk quality credentials, after it announced changes to its Cooperative Difference framework. The payment is not in addition to the average farm gate milk price forecast, but will be part of the milk payment parameters used by Fonterra when paying individual farmers. The amount and targets for the payment will be set annually by the Fonterra Board. The new system, starting from June 1, would see seven of the 10c for achievements in areas including the environment, coop and prosperity, animals, and people and community focus areas. Fonterra’s group director for Farm Source Richard Allen says the co-op and prosperity achievement would require

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SCOURED WOOL: Checking the scouring process of wool donated for a new Southland Charity Hospital are project organisers and Southland sheep farmers Aimee Blaikie and Sarah Dooley and NZ Woolscouring process coordinator Emily Shields.

Bales4Blair project a success the name of Southland cancer advocate Blair Vining. NZ Woolscouring chief executive Nigel Hales says it was an easy decision to be involved. “This is such an important project for the Otago and Southland communities and means a great deal to the farmers who supply us and the people who work for us in Timaru,” Hales said. “The Bales4Blair team has worked incredibly hard and farmers have very generously donated wool.” Hales says the wool grease will go to a known international refiner to be further processed and highly refined to become cholesterol and then vitamin D.

Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz ABOUT 400 bales of donated wool was processed for free last week by Canterbury Woolscourers, with half being made into insulation for a new Southland Charity Hospital in Invercargill and the other half sold. A subsidiary of New Zealand Woolscouring Ltd, the Timaru plant processed the wool free of charge, with 200 bales going to Terra Lana to be turned into wool insulation batts. A further 200 bales has been bought by carpet manufacturer Godfrey Hirst, with the sale proceeds donated to a new charity hospital being built in

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“As we all know, vitamin D has become a powerful supplement in the fight against covid-19,” he said. “It’s great to know that the donations made by farmers will have wide-reaching benefits beyond our shores.” Vining died in 2019 having earlier been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer. He discovered major variations in cancer care across different regions of NZ and campaigned for better access to procedures such as colonoscopies, a move that was backed by a 140,000 signature petition. The Southland Charity Hospital is expected to open by the end of the year.

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NEWS

7 More regen

ag testing needed

There is a pressing need for more scientific testing of claims made by regenerative agriculture (RA) advocates, but the practices have the potential to play an important role in transforming New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, the authors of a new white paper say.

24 Award for lasting contributions

Late last year, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ principal scientist Gerald Rys was awarded the Ray Brougham Trophy by the New Zealand Grasslands Association, recognising an extensive career and his advocacy of pastoral agriculture and the research behind it.

REGULARS Newsmaker �� 24 New Thinking �� 25 Editorial �� 26 Pulpit �� 27 Opinion �� 28 Real Estate �� 30-39 Toys and toys �� 40 Employment �� 41 Classifieds �� 41-42 Livestock �� 42-43 Weather �� 45

10 Levet Romney sale draws

15 Manuka saving honey’s buzz

Selected young Romney ewes with extraordinary parasite resistance sold for up to $2000 at Gordon Levet’s Kikitangeo Stud dispersal sale at Wellsford.

While demand for Manuka honey continues to surge, other honey varieties remain moribund, with low prices starting to pressure beekeepers out of the industry.

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Markets �� 44-48 GlobalHQ is a farming family owned business that donates 1% of all advertising revenue in Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer to farmer health and well-being initiatives. Thank you for your prompt payment.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Council backs new payment framework Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA Co-operative Council chair James Barron says the new Co-operative Difference framework gives it the means to answer any questions in the marketplace around how it produces its milk. “It’s a clear link between the market and us,” Barron said. There had been a lot of feedback from farmers, which had fed into the framework’s development. He says it was here where any negative feedback was then used constructively to improve the framework prior to its launch. On balance, the feedback the council, formally known as the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council, had received so far since its launch had been positive. “Farmers appreciate there is

clear direction and guidance on what they need to achieve and support for them to be able to achieve that,” he said.

Farmers appreciate there is clear direction and guidance on what they need to achieve and support for them to be able to achieve that. James Barron Co-operative Council “From a personal perspective, the way I see this Co-operative Difference framework is that it’s essentially helping us gather all

of the information that we need to prove how awesome we are at what we do.” The biggest change for farmers was it introduced a nominal figure into Fonterra’s milk payment parameters for the first time. Up until now, he says, those parameters were based on the economic values of the milk’s composition. “This is more of a ‘what do we think is the right number here?’, and it’s been used to lead and encourage behaviour,” he said. He says there were risks of unintended consequences of using such parameters, and those will be monitored closely and reviewed yearly. “But far and away, the benefits of it outweigh those and that is the benefit of being to answer all of the questions customers are asking,” he said.

Continued from page 1

PREDICTION: Fonterra’s group director for Farm Source Richard Allen says the number of suppliers who qualified for the 7c payment starting next season would be in the thousands not in the hundreds.

In addition, farmers need to have achieved three out of four on-farm practices. These include ensuring more than 80% of the feed consumed by their herd has to be grown on New Zealand farms. Farmers can also no longer have no point source dairy discharges straight into waterways. This rule did not include leaching from land into waterways. The third practice was showing evidence of participation in rural plastic recycling schemes such as AgRecovery, and the fourth was a new limit for purchased nitrogen surplus that was at or lower than 138kg/ha. That is calculated as the N left over from the feed and fertiliser brought onto a farm minus the milk, beef or animals exported off the farm. “That 138kg N is effectively the 75th percentile, so 75% of Fonterra farmers are achieving

OPPORTUNITY: Co-operative Council chair James Barron says the biggest change for farmers was it introduced a nominal figure into Fonterra’s milk payment parameters for the first time.

that, so it’s really targeting the bottom 25%,” Allen said. Climate emissions are not directly included in the practice, but Allen says it is indirectly in the N target.

This is not about rewarding the top 5%. This is about rewarding as many farmers as possible and we want it to be as accessible as possible. Richard Allen Fonterra Once those are achieved, 3c would be paid for milk that meets the “excellence” standard under the co-operative’s milk quality framework. That standard is measured and graded when the tanker driver collects and tests the milk.

The milk is graded as either a downgrade, quality or excellence. The excellence grade is awarded when the milk meets a higher level of quality, above Fonterra’s milk parameters. Once the farmer achieves an excellence grade of 30 days across the season, then every day they achieve that grade would see the farmer qualify for the 3c payment. Allen estimated that the number of suppliers who qualified for the 7c payment starting next season would be “in the thousands not in the hundreds”. But he wanted as many farmers to participate in the payment as possible. “This is not about rewarding the top 5%. This is about rewarding as many farmers as possible and we want it to be as accessible as possible,” he said. “If everyone meets this, it’s a great outcome for the co-op because we can then go out and say that farmers meet these standards.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Ratepayers to front freshwater costs Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz RATEPAYERS will have to stump up an extra $149 million in regional council rates over the next three years to meet the costs of the Government’s freshwater policies. Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has estimated that cost for the country’s 15 regional councils and unitary authorities, excluding Auckland, to pay for its new freshwater policies, freshwater science and iwi consultation. The cost to farmers and council infrastructure upgrades are additional, but the policy’s initial costs are starting to materialise as councils consider their 10-year plans. The Marlborough District Council is considering imposing charges of up to $155 an hour for staff to monitor consented activities. Environment Canterbury (Ecan) is consulting on two options, which will increase spending by more than $40m than this year, with costs linked to meeting Government policies, including essential freshwater. Unless amended during consultation, ratepayers face a rates rise of either 18% or 24.5% for the coming year. The Waikato Regional Council’s 10-year budget for its draft Long-Term Plan would see a 7.3% rate rise in year one, of which about 2% is due to meeting the Government’s freshwater requirements. Local Government NZ regional council sector chair Doug Leeder says meeting Government designated water regulations will be a major component of the council’s 10-year plans currently under consideration. “Water implementation is going to be a big one in terms of implementation of their longterm plans, which have got to be finalised by 2024,” Leeder said.

ESTIMATE: Local Government New Zealand has estimated a $149 million cost for its new freshwater policies, freshwater science and iwi consultation.

Across the country that is going to be a significant cost. Doug Leeder Local Government NZ Leeder says costs incurred by councils, such as auditing farm environment plans (FEPs), can only be recovered by general or targeted rates. “Should that be paid for by the general ratepayer or farmers?” he asked. “You would have to say the major beneficiary is the farmer.” Leeder says councils must follow Government directives.

“We have to act according to Parliamentary rules while still delivering our long-term plans by 2024 and being seen to be performing this in terms of capability and capacity. “Across the country that is going to be a significant cost,” he said. The Government now requires councils to consult more with iwi, and Leeder says many do not have the resources to participate. LGNZ is in discussions with the Government about whether councils or the Crown should fund iwi resourcing, a cost Leeder says will stretch to many millions of dollars. Leeder urged farmers to be involved in the council’s longterm plans, and to engage with iwi as they will have input into catchment management.

Federated Farmers water spokesperson and Canterbury farmer Chris Allen is experiencing first-hand the costs of this new regulatory environment. A basic resource consent, which initiates a FEP, cost him between $4500 and $5000, while ECan has imposed a $200 annual charge to accept telemetry data from each of his five water consents, a requirement of water metering regulations that now apply. “I’ve been sending them telemetry data for four or five years. Now, I have to pay them $1000 a year to receive data I have been sending them anyway,” Allen said. “It’s just going on and on, and we haven’t even started talking about the new (freshwater) bottom lines.” Allen is not questioning the

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need to care for the environment but fears the focus on water is being lost, while vast sums of money are being spent on council processes, plans and paperwork. “Councils need to prioritise and they must remember they have to take their communities along with them,” he said. Feds national president Andrew Hoggard says the scale of the implications were as he feared, given the policy was formed with limited consultation and without what he called “practical input”. Given time and broader input, Hoggard says the policy could have seen a smarter, more practical and a lower cost system adopted, using technology. “It was rushed without farmer input and this is the dog’s breakfast we’ve ended up with,” Hoggard said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Invest in your young employees Although the food and fibre sector will need new people to fill 50,000 jobs by 2030, it also has to retain the young talent it already has at its disposal. At the recent Primary Industry Capability Alliance research and insights forum called Growing Our Workforce Through Quality Workplaces, a panel of young people already in the sector discussed ways of achieving that. Colin Williscroft reports.

YOUNG TALENT: Providing their insights at the forum were, from left, Jack Ternouth, Paige Harris, Hiraina Tangiora, Katie Moffatt and George Hyauiason.

ENCOURAGING and providing learning opportunities to help young employees grow, both into their jobs and as people, will help the food and fibre sector not only retain the talent at its disposal but also foster its development. That was one of the overarching themes that emerged from the panel made up of Ministry for Primary Industries skills policy analyst Hiraina Tangiora, New Zealand Merino Company Canterbury area manager Jack Ternouth, Bank of NZ agribusiness partner Katie Moffatt, Massey University bachelor of horticultural science student George Hyauiason and Southland dairy farm assistant Paige Harris. Moffatt says learning, growing as a person and having some fun are three areas that mean a lot to the next generation of workers and helping them achieve those goals is something employers would do well to keep in mind. Providing staff with known and clear pathways on how to rise up the ranks would also help. Ternouth agrees and says fostering training in a potential next step up the ladder is one way of doing that. He also advocates

connection, so it’s important to provide those opportunities. That feeling of satisfaction will also help them achieve outside work as well, which all feeds back into more contented employees. Young employees are also likely to be more productive if they are treated as individuals. Harris says for an employer to get the best out of her, they need to understand what motivates her and then tailor that to the workplace. Job satisfaction, including what she gets out of it, will lead her to stay in a job longer. All the panelists have university degrees but they agree that, although the pathway worked for them, it’s not the only way into rewarding careers in the sector. Tangiora says improving vocational training opportunities will help to raise skills standards across the board, while Harris says although she would not have the career she has now without going to university, that was more about her individual circumstances. She says university might teach people to learn and a degree might help find a job, but it’s someone’s work ethic that will allow them to keep it.

? 50K more cross-sector collaboration, even if it’s only for six weeks. Then employees can go back to their original job, taking with them the different perspectives they have learned. That will keep them agile and allow them to move into new roles, which will make the overall food and fibre sector more attractive. He says providing staff with some sort of ownership and responsibility will make it more likely they feel like they are contributing, which will make them more effective workers. Tangiora says she would be unhappy if she felt unconnected to her work and being able to learn on the job strengthens that

Meet the panelists Hiraina Tangiora – MPI skills policy analyst • Lincoln University, bachelor of commerce double major in supply chain management and international business. Jack Ternouth – New Zealand Merino Company Canterbury area manager • Lincoln University, bachelor of commerce (agriculture). Katie Moffatt – Bank of New Zealand agribusiness partner • Lincoln University, bachelor of agricultural science in soil science (first class honours). George Hyauiason • In the final year of bachelor of horticultural science at Massey University. Paige Harris – Southland dairy farm assistant • Lincoln University, bachelor of agricultural science (first class honours). Honours research in collaboration with DairyNZ and Southern Dairy Hub.

Harris, Moffatt and Hyauiason all say ensuring staff are proud to be part of their industry will go a long way to ensuring they stay in it, with Harris and Hyauiason pointing out the damage campaigns like dirty dairying can do. Hyauiason would also like to see more workplace discussions about mental health. Relative youth and inexperience has been a hurdle for Moffatt and Ternouth to sometimes overcome when dealing with farmers who might be twice their

age, especially for Moffatt who says being a young woman adds another level to that. However, they both say sitting down and building trust, showing they are knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, will help overcome that. “But you’re not expected to know everything straight away,” Ternouth says. “And if you don’t understand, just say so, so you don’t destroy that trust.” Harris agrees. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

More research into regen ag required Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz THERE is a pressing need for more scientific testing of claims made by regenerative agriculture (RA) advocates, but the practices have the potential to play an important role in transforming New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, the authors of a new white paper say. Lead author and Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Dr Gwen Grelet says RA has international momentum across all parts of the food system. However, there is an urgent need for clarity about what RA is in a NZ context, as well as a scientific framework for RA research. “It is not a magic bullet but its grassroots popularity with farmers and food consumers mean it has huge potential for driving the transformation of Aotearoa’s agrifood system, to move our country closer to its goals,” Grelet says. She says the consultation that took place to produce the paper found many areas of agreement between supporters and sceptics of the farming practices. “It’s time to stop bickering and focus on identifying any true benefits regenerative agriculture might have for New Zealand,” she said. The research underpinning the white paper, the result of collaboration and consultation with more than 70 NZ-based organisations and 200 people between June and November

2020, aims to better understand what RA means for NZ and to develop a scientific framework for guiding RA research in NZ. Discussions with representatives from the dairy, sheep and beef, arable and viticulture sectors about regenerative farming systems focused on aspects such as social wellbeing, soils, integrated circular systems and marketability of regenerative produce.

It’s time to stop bickering and focus on identifying any true benefits regenerative agriculture might have for New Zealand. Dr Gwen Grelet Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research The most sought-after outcomes included achieving pride in farming, making decisions based on long-term outcomes, increasing profitability and financial expertise rather than merely increasing production, continuous learning and positioning NZ as a world leader in RA. A review that’s part of the paper found that the NZ agricultural sector is performing well and demonstrating leadership

in some respects – but with regard to water, soils and native biodiversity, agricultural activities are contributing to NZ’s environmental and social challenges. It found that parts of the country are ill-equipped to cope with predicted more frequent and intense drought and flooding, and that such challenges will likely need to be addressed if NZ is to claim to deliver “regenerativelyproduced” food and fibre. The paper noted that a variety of biophysical aspects sets NZ apart from other countries, including carbon-rich soils, the contrast between NZ native biodiversity and the species supporting its agriculture, and a high propensity to soil erosion. It recommended that NZ should evolve its own RA narrative based as much on soil carbon retention as on its increase and functionality, the elimination of sediment losses and the development of RA farming systems to foster both “total” and native biodiversity. An examination of domestic and overseas consumers’ preferences and their willingness to pay extra for specific environmental outcomes suggests RA could increase the export value and overseas marketability of NZ food and fibre produce, although more research is required. Although a succinct definition of RA would be useful for marketing purposes, the white paper refrained from offering a definition for two reasons: the

FOCUS: Quorum Sense manager Sam Lang says the research examined people’s understanding of regenerative agriculture through outcomes, principles, practices and mindset.

risk of constraining an evolving concept and the need for any NZ definition to be anchored in te ao Maori (the Maori world view). Work is in progress to identify linkages between te ao Maori cultural concepts and RA concepts. Research co-lead and manager of the Quorum Sense farmer extension project Sam Lang says the research examined people’s understanding of RA through outcomes, principles, practices and mindset.

“We found that all are important,” Lang said. “While it is tempting to focus on novel or innovative practices, exploring the influence of farming principles and farmers’ mindsets could be more valuable.” The white paper acknowledged that developing specific regenerative practice guidance for NZ’s range of primary sector industries and geophysical contexts is a huge challenge, but says it is one that may be necessary.

Regen trial focused on aligning with nature Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz FOR the past 18 months Align Farms in Canterbury has been changing part of its operation to a regenerative model, so it can compare those results to a conventional approach. Align has five dairy operations in the region totalling 1131ha, along with a support block of 500ha. Two of the farms, Clareview and Longfield, along with the Hinterlands support block, have been undergoing a transition to a regenerative system. Align chief executive Rhys Roberts says the plan is to run two herds on both Clareview and Longfield, one conventional and one regenerative on their respective pasture type, from June 1. The 50:50 split will run through the 2021-22 season and by 202223 the farms will be completely run under a regenerative model. The Hinterlands transition to regenerative is largely complete. Two other Align properties, Emilius and Jacawanada, will keep

TRANSITION: Align Farms has been moving part of its operation to regenerative feed for its dairy herd.

running as conventional dairy farms. Align’s head of environment and innovation and chief of the regenerative trial Clare Buchanan says the aim of the project is to be able to take the average of the three previous seasons’ baseline figures on production, profit and environment and compare them to the regenerative model. From that it will be possible to quantify the differences between the two

approaches, allowing for seasonal variations. “This information means we can give the New Zealand dairy farming community realistic, unbiased and informed data on how successful our regenerative project has been, and some approaches other farmers may wish to adopt within their own farm system,” Buchanan said. Key data collection and comparison areas are financial,

environmental, human health, animal health and social impacts. Financial data will include milksolids production per hectare, farm working expenses per kilo of milksolids, item expenses and pasture quantity consumed, while environmental data takes in water quality, organic matter changes, water holding capacity of soil and bacterial activity in soil. Data collected on each of the parameters will help demonstrate whether a regenerative dairy farming system can be as profitable as a conventional dairy system, whether the practices will reduce the environmental impact of dairying, result in healthier animals and milk, and generate a positive community response. Roberts says one of the biggest challenges so far has been ensuring the teams working on the properties involved in the switch to regenerative have the necessary support in an approach that is new to them. “We’re running our own race to a degree,” he said. He says they have learned a lot so far, but making the transition

from conventional to regenerative has been a little harder than they thought it would be. Buchanan says there is not an accepted clear definition about what constitutes regenerative agriculture, but they are basing their approach not on targeting a specific system but instead on working with the environment, not fighting against it. Roberts says within the first 18 months there has been significant improvements in soil quality on the regenerative properties. He says close to 50ha on one of the farms has not seen any synthetic nitrogen fertiliser during that time, with fish fertiliser among other forms of fertiliser being used instead, adding that initial results have indicated nontraditional approaches could be worthwhile. They plan to hold their first field days in November to share their findings. That will give them four months of milk production and financial data that they can compare with baseline data from conventional farming already collected.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Dairy leaders voice trade talk frustration Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com DAIRY leaders believe the European Union should reconsider its persistent stonewalling of improved access for New Zealand dairy products in free trade talks if it is serious about saving the planet. The EU’s top trade official last week launched a new trade negotiations strategy for the bloc, promising a tougher approach with trading partners on workers’ rights and the environment. From now, commitment to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Climate Accord would be an “essential element” of any trade agreement with the EU. Priority will be given to reducing tariffs on environmental products and services and encouragement given to countries to slash subsidies encouraging the consumption of fossil fuels, the EU’s new trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said. Becoming commissioner last October, Dombrovskis said he

would seek to renegotiate the EU’s 2019 trade agreement with the Mercosur trading bloc to deal with criticism of the environmental record of the South American countries involved.

If it is a consideration of the efficiency of the products, then it is equally legitimate to be removing those tariffs. Kimberly Crewther DCANZ All of this comes as NZ enters its fourth year of negotiations for a trade agreement with the EU without an acceptable offer on market access for dairy and meat into the European market. But Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ)

executive director Kimberly Crewther says the EU should reconsider its offer after a recent study commissioned by the NZ dairy industry proved its farmers have the lowest carbon footprint of any milk producers in the world. “NZ’s products are highly efficient and yet they face high tariffs for entry into the EU,” Crewther said. “So if it is a consideration of the efficiency of the products, then it is equally legitimate to be removing those tariffs.” DCANZ chair Malcolm Bailey says EU leaders had talked a lot about doing more to tackle both climate change and trade protectionism, but had done little on either. “Everybody is saying we need to be more efficient. So this (buying more NZ dairy products) is a way to limit the release of climate gases and meet these targets that everyone has signed up for,” Bailey said. “You have actually got to live it and not just talk about it.”

INACTION: DCANZ chair Malcolm Bailey says EU leaders had talked a lot about doing more to tackle both climate change and trade protectionism, but had done little on either.

GET AHEAD OF THE GAME

Bailey says the most recently reported EU offer prior to the eighth negotiating round in June last year was to open up a miniscule 0.02% and 0.03% of its domestic cheese and butter markets to more carbon-efficient NZ dairy products. At the same time, dairy exports to the rest of the world from the relatively more carbon-intensive EU dairy industry were increasing. But the arguments of the NZ dairy industry seem to be having limited impact on the talks so far. A high-level source says both sides remained far apart on market access for NZ agricultural exports into the EU.

The source says Trade Minister Damien O’Connor spoke to EU Commissioner Dombrovskis in December following the NZ election. “There was a big gap between them but the Commissioner did acknowledge that the EU would have to look in its pockets again, but we got no timeframe for when they would be looking in their pockets,” they said. “We have been working on it for nearly four years now. It is nearly all there, but the big gap is market access.” The tenth round of negotiations is due in the first quarter of 2021.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

M bovis: Feedlot to be depopulated Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz WITH the Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme on track to finish the delimiting phase, plans are now underway for depopulating Five Star Beef’s 18,000-cattle feedlot in Mid Canterbury. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) chief science advisor John Roche says MPI has been involved with managing the M bovis-infected feedlot for several months after it was detected as active with the cattle disease and notified as a Restricted Place. Five Star Beef has been operating in the Ashburton District for 30 years, supplying beef to the Japanese market and locally under the brand Wakanui Beef. It is New Zealand’s only largescale commercial feedlot. Clearance of the feedlot has been on hold, given it is deemed low risk of spreading M bovis and pending MPI satisfaction that once depopulated it would not be reinfected. “We are aware there is concern that Five Star is a risk, but we have always said it is lowrisk; all science will say that is the case and simply too, because of its means of operation, risk is really, really low,” Roche said. “We could not depopulate the feedlot until we know we have cleared all other farms of infection in Canterbury.” And that time is expected to happen before the end of the year. “We did the big push with the spring Bulk Tank Milk (BTM) testing and we now have only 10 positive farms,” he said. One of these 10 was issued with a Restricted Place Notice just last week. “We always anticipated this, we always said with the high prevalence of 2018-born heifers

coming into milking herds, that there would be more picked up in blood testing as a result of the BTM testing, so this is not surprising,” he said. “What is encouraging is we had 28 infected properties this time last year and we are on track for finishing the delimiting phase in 2021 – sometime. “We need one more big push now and as numbers continue to drop, we can look at depopulating Five Star. “They are not a risk, it’s why we have left it to last.”

We could not depopulate the feedlot until we know we have cleared all other farms of infection in Canterbury. John Roche MPI That has also allowed the M bovis programme to work closely with Five Star in the response as part of the surveillance strategy in the beef sector. “We are talking several thousands of cattle here from several hundred farms and in that respect, Five Star has been of significant help,” he said. “They have been with us every step of the way.” But the country cannot be declared free of the disease until Five Star is depopulated. Roche is now tasked with coming up with a plan for the feedlot depopulation. At its peak, the feedlot houses 18,000 cattle. “It will be some time away, but we are looking at how we can do it and I will be seeking advice

from international experts, including feedlots,” he said. Roche has completed the terms of reference for this review plan and it is now before the M bovis governance group for consideration. A report for the plan is expected before the end of May. Despite suggestions that the clearance of the feedlot could cost $40 million, Roche says he has no figure on the cost and any speculation at this stage is premature. In the meantime, the Canterbury cluster of 10 infected properties, including Lincoln University’s two research farms and Five Star, are the focus of “the one final push”. And there are encouraging signs. “All of them are the one genetic clade, which confirms all are one group and we are closely running that down,” he said. Of the 10 Canterbury properties, five were picked up in BTM testing and the others, including Lincoln and Five Star, have traced back from these. He says with the response having worked with three other genetic clades, and the last of these being in Waikato in July last year, it is encouraging results. “On the same lines as covid is being managed, we are exactly the same in the M bovis programme,” he said. “It’s looking like we just need to get this Canterbury cluster cleared now and like covid, once you get to really low prevalence we go harder and we will leave no stone unturned.” Of the total 261 overall confirmed properties, 50% have been in the Canterbury region. As of February 25, there are 10 active properties, 35 under restricted movement controls (NODs) and 114 under active surveillance.

FOCUS: Ministry for Primary Industries chief science advisor John Roche says as Mycoplasma bovis numbers continue to drop, they can now look at depopulating the low-risk Five Star Beef feedlot.

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News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Levet Romney sale draws keen crowd Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz SELECTED young Romney ewes with extraordinary parasite resistance sold for up to $2000 at Gordon Levet’s Kikitangeo Stud dispersal sale at Wellsford. Other Romney breeders from throughout the country within 50 registered buyers picked out their highlights from among more than 800 ewes and four rams offered, and were prepared to battle in the bidding. Blair Robertson of Merrydowns Romneys and Southdowns, near Gore, was determined to get his selections and purchased 15 two-tooth and four-tooth ewes at prices between $100 and $2000 each. He says the sale was an opportunity of a lifetime to buy the leading genetics in worm and facial eczema resistance. “This is 40 years of successful sheep breeding on offer and I would be silly to miss it,” Robertson said. “The distance (from Southland to Northland) dictated only young sheep and having come this far, we weren’t going to come second.” Robertson wants to mate the purchased ewes to his own sires and breed Romney sale rams. The selected ewes were tops for structural soundness, as well as having great index figures. The sale began with comments by Levet after a tribute from

The buyers who paid the top prices knew what they wanted and were prepared to pay for them. Gordon Levet Sheep breeder Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor was read out. “Pursuing the genetic option in the sheep industry for worm resistance ticks all the boxes,” O’Connor said. “It is better for the sheep, it is better for the farmer with less labour and cost input, and it can be better for New Zealand’s trade image, using fewer chemicals in the food chain. “Levet’s dedicated labour over a long period will not be lost, with the distribution of his flock allowing other farmers to fully benefit from his commitment to this great outcome.” Ewes were penned in lot sizes from five to 25 according to their reference sires, almost all of them Kikitangeo rams. They included two-tooth ewes from the third-ranked ram in the country for low FEC worm testing and other pens from his two sons in first and second place nationally. Lot 1 of 14 ewes from G197/14

LEADERS: Retiring sheep breeder Gordon Levet and sheep recording expert Claire Callow.

CREAM OF THE FLOCK: Some of the very best Romney two-tooth ewes sold among the highest prices in the Kikitangeo dispersal.

reached $1060, with three taken by Ed Sherriff of Pine Park Romenys, Marton. Lots 5 and 6 of ewes by D314/17, the leading FEC ram in the country, sold to top prices of $700 and $720. When Robertson got started the top prices exceeded $1000 and

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SELECTION: Sheep farmer Bruce Coster from Tauranga makes his choices among the older ewes.

to secure their preferences at higher prices. The balance of the pens was then sold at near-commercial ewe values or passed in to be available for purchasing back on the farm. Levet says he was very pleased to witness the start of a countrywide sheep breeding effort against drench resistance. “The buyers who paid the top prices knew what they wanted and were prepared to pay for them,” Levet said. “I am looking forward to visiting those studs while I am able and giving advice where it is wanted.” Breeding sheep with strong immune systems has been his life’s work and now the results have been dispersed around the country. It was the first time that Merrydowns had purchased Kikitangeo sheep. Heggie says the 200 older ewes sold very well late in the order and a highlight at the end was ram G197/14 making $5600, paid by Richard Brown of Feilding.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Honda XL150 bike winner announced

WINNER: Richard Gillespie (left) and Dunsandel-based Happers Honda owner Brent Happer. Gillespie won a Honda XL150 motorbike in a competition run by Farmers Weekly and Blue Wing Honda.

SUBSCRIBING to the Farmers Weekly Daily Digest newsletter proved a worthwhile move on multiple fronts for Canterbury man Richard Gillespie. Not only does it mean the Plant & Food Research technologist is kept up-to-date with the latest primary sector news, but subscribing has also won him a motorcycle in a competition run by Farmers Weekly and Blue Wing Honda. Gillespie says he will use the Honda XL150 to commute to work and for any quick journeys around the research farm. The motorcycle is easily the biggest prize Gillespie has won, but he says the contest was secondary to the benefits of subscribing to the newsletter. “I do get a lot of value out of the Daily Digest and weekly roundup,” he said.

DWN puts people at heart of farming

Have you protected your mixed age ewes?

Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz STRENGTHENING farming businesses by putting people first is the aim of a series of free workshops being rolled around the country by the Dairy Women’s Network (DWN). The network wants to ensure that farmers attract and retain talent, and continue to grow the people in the industry. “Over the years of working with people in many different sized teams, we discovered that it mattered how we were behaving and acting with our team,” MilkIQ’s Rebecca Miller said. The free workshops are funded by New Zealand dairy farmers through the DairyNZ levy and align with commitment in the Dairy Tomorrow Strategy of building great workplaces for NZ’s most talented workforce. Miller says it does not always require big changes to build a great workplace, but small changes that make a difference. The workshops will provide an overview of how to be a good employee or employer and the steps each can take. Representatives from No8HR and PaySauce will discuss the legalities of contracts, rosters and farm accommodation, while Miller will provide insight into the concept of Farmily, and what both employers and employees can do to achieve increased staff engagement and retention. “In our own experience, we wanted to provide an environment where we were consciously protecting each team member’s physical self, and emotional or psychological self,” she said. Providing a safe environment for employees and strengthening those relationships has seen multiple benefits for the Millers and their farm outputs. “Farmily is truly life-changing as we have a stable environment where we have built trust, low or no turnover of staff, low farm working expenses and highly performing farms,” she said. A series of webinars will follow each workshop and provide attendees with detailed resources for each topic. Building trust with your team is important not only for the people but also for the future and longevity of the industry, DWN chief executive Jules Benton says. The first workshop will be held in Matamata on March 8, followed by events in Ashburton, Winton, Whangarei, Dannevirke and Stratford.

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12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Lincoln weighs M bovis impact Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz DESPITE being struck by Mycoplasma bovis, Lincoln University is confident industry research on its two affected dairy farms can be managed with minimal impact. But repopulating the farms in line with research activities assigned for specific programmes will be a challenge, Lincoln University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Grant Edwards says. Depopulation of the animals on the two farms, Ashley Dene Research and Development Station with a 500-cow herd, and the Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm’s (LURDF) 200-cow herd, is nearing completion. Under the guidance of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) M bovis eradication programme, the farms will now be decontaminated, ready for restocking. The two research farms were confirmed as having M bovis and placed under a Restricted Place legal notice at the end of last year following spring Bulk Tank Milk screening. Some areas of research on the two research farms continued through until depopulation. “At the time we had M bovis

confirmed we had existing research programmes ongoing, and with strict biosecurity practice and permits, we have been able to continue those programmes in partnership with DairyNZ and the university until this point (of depopulation).” The 72-hectare irrigated LURDF was converted from arable to dairy in 2009 in recognition of the need for applied research to support the growing South Island dairy industry. The farm is used for both research and demonstration, trialling concepts for potential commercial use. The heart of the research carried out by postgraduate students and university staff in collaboration with research partners, has been to reduce the environmental impact of dairying. Key areas of research include nutrition, health and welfare of large herds on high-quality pastures; efficient use of water and nitrogen for pasture, crop and milk production; and the use of supplements in high-quality pastoral systems to enhance milk production and reduce environmental impact. The mitigation of the environmental impacts of dairying through soil, plant and

nutritional approaches is part of key research projects. A current research project on the farm – flexible milking for healthier people and cows, funded through the Sustainable Farming Fund, is researching the impact of milking frequency on wellbeing and economic sustainability, specifically looking at three milkings in two days compared with the typical four milkings in two days. “Requirements under this research were able to continue with very strict processes until now, but some parts of research programmes not considered critical were discontinued,” he said. “We worked as a Level 4 (covid) lockdown and with good communications with researchers, were able to keep parts of the programme going.” Ashley Dene is a larger scale research and development station. The goal of the 190ha research station is to conduct farm systems research to improve profitability, environmental and welfare performance of dairy and livestock farming systems. Edwards says repopulating the two farms in line with research activities assigned for specific programmes will be a challenge.

SETBACK: Lincoln University’s Ashley Dene Research and Development Station was one of the two research farms confirmed as having M bovis and was placed under a Restricted Place legal notice at the end of last year.

“We will need to find cows of similar characteristics and also prepare trials to begin with lactation in spring,” he said. One of these trials is researching plantain as a forage, and Edwards says “we have a window where we can be very well prepared for spring.” The biggest losses from the depopulated herds will be in the specific genetics and

phenotypes of the animals. “We have vital processes of information for conducting highquality research and we have lost those animals and genetics in depopulation,” he said. “We want to get that back, but it will take time. “Going ahead, research programmes will be directional and managed with reprioritisation and pivoting.”

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Helping grow the country

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Flagship facility gets underway Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz BREAKING ground for a new flagship science facility has ensured Lincoln University will equip coming generations with the knowledge and skills needed to grow a better future. The university ceremonially broke the first ground on its flagship science facility at an oncampus event last week. Acting vice-chancellor Professor Bruce McKenzie says significant growth in domestic student numbers, clear government support and a raised awareness of the importance of the agritech industry to New Zealand’s economic development have all factored into Lincoln’s increased profile as a world-ranked land-based university. The ground-breaking ceremony capped off a 10-year journey for the university, beginning with the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and concluding with formal government approval for the construction of the new facility. “Lincoln University has been producing primary sector graduates for more than 140 years and we remain dedicated to equipping coming generations with the knowledge and skills needed to grow a better future,” McKenzie said. “It’s only appropriate that we deliver our worldleading education and research from a science facility built for the ages.” Lincoln has long been a chief driver of innovation in the agritech sector, particularly in the food and fibre industries. “Our new facilities will position us to take an even more prominent role in developing solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental challenges,” he said. The official government approval, confirmed by Education Minister Chris Hipkins and Finance Minister Grant Robertson in September last year, reflected the Government’s support for the university and signalled the important role it continues to play in shaping a more productive and sustainable future for NZ. The fundamental change brought by covid-19 across many sectors of NZ’s agriculture industry in the past 12 months has triggered a steeply rising demand for tertiary education in the land-based sciences. “Lincoln University, as a globally-ranked landbased university, is strategically placed to capitalise on increased demand for agricultural qualifications from both students and employers,” he said. “While our international enrolments have predictably declined due to the pandemic, our domestic student numbers have grown significantly.” New domestic undergraduate student enrolments are up 33% on the same time last year, with a record 344% increase for new domestic postgraduate students. Construction on the new building begins next month and is expected to be completed in mid2023. The fit-for-future science facility will feature state of the art teaching, research and collaboration spaces, complemented by multi-use adjustable workstations and social zones, all set within a regenerative and bio-diverse park-like environment. Lincoln is the only NZ university to achieve a ranking on the UI Green Metric World University Rankings, currently ranked 51 out of 912 universities. In partnership with Meridian Energy, Lincoln has recently boosted its commercial-scale solar energy generating capability with several roof-mounted solar installations already delivering 250,000 kWh of clean renewable energy to the campus network each year. The new science facilities are part of a wider campus development programme for the university that has already seen the launch of a vibrant new

student hub and an expansive new outdoor events space featuring native plantings and a cultural heritage-inspired paved pathway. Further campus projects, including a comprehensive decarbonisation programme which supports the university’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 and to cease the combustion of coal by 2024, the restoration of Ivey West and memorial hall and an overarching visionary landscaping masterplan, are in various stages of development.

NEW AGE: Lincoln University acting vice-chancellor Professor Bruce McKenzie speaks at the ground-breaking ceremony of the university’s new flagship science facility.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Manuka leads the way for honey sales Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz WHILE demand for Manuka honey continues to surge, other honey varieties remain moribund, with low prices starting to pressure beekeepers out of the industry. The latest Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) 2020 Apiculture Monitoring report has highlighted how a good harvest season last summer translated into a surge in volumes of all honey produced, with per hive yield of manuka up 39% on the year before in the North Island. Overall however, the sector experienced a slide of 6% in average export prices despite a weaker NZ dollar, with a significant 28% export volume increase driving the overall 20% increase in total export value. The report has highlighted the growing gap between high-value manuka and all other multi-floral manuka/non-manuka honeys. The average export price for mono-floral manuka honey was $55.36/kg, compared to $32.44/

kg for multi-floral manuka, and $22.50/kg for non-manuka honeys. The overall production last season of 27,000 tonnes marks a new industry record for volume and was well up on the industry’s 10-year average of 17,972t. Threequarters of the country’s honey was produced in the North Island. Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos says last season’s harvest was a healthy one after two relatively light years of honey yields. The report also notes the number of beekeepers with over 50 hives dropped by 5%, alongside an increase in hobbyist beekeepers. Registered “mega” commercial operations with over 3000 hives also dropped by 5% to 45. The overall increase in operator numbers to 6100 from 5799 in 2019 is solely due to an increase in hobbyist operators with less than 50 hives. Kos says the impact of higher operating costs and lower returns for non-manuka honey may be

forcing some operators to reevaluate their businesses. “Smaller beekeepers without manuka access are exiting. This is the first drop we have had in numbers for 15 years, and maybe we are seeing a bit of a correction,” Kos said. Some industry scientists have suggested NZ may have become overstocked with bees in recent years, as more beekeepers enter the industry chasing the lure of high manuka returns. Last year NZ recorded more beehives than Australia, with the number of hives quadrupling to one million by 2019. But Kos says there has been no science done to determine what peak bee numbers may be. “What we will be looking at is what will the longer-term trend be in numbers,” she said. The report notes the profitability of most beekeeping businesses did not improve in 2019-20, and for some it was lower than other years. Commercial operators are now either consolidating their businesses or are seeking work outside

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high-quality varieties NZ has,” she said. “It comes down to the industry to invest in it itself.” She conceded the sector would have to pick its time when considering revisiting a commodity levy payment to help fund such activity. In 2019 beekeepers rejected proposals to impose a commodity levy to help fund industry research and marketing. Kos says a discussion about future funding and growing value would be a key topic at the industry conference in Rotorua on June 23.

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their beekeeping businesses to supplement income. Kos says this harvest season is proving a tough one, thanks to a wet, cold spring impacting on flowering in many parts of the country, and yields are anticipated to be well back on last year’s bumper crop. “It has proven to be a very stopstart season to date,” she said. She says the need to raise the profile of NZ honeys other than manuka was highlighted by the report’s latest results. “We have a good story to tell with manuka, but there is still work to do with the other equally

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16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

PGG Wrightson posts strong first-half result Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

OBJECTIVE: PGG Wrightson chair Rodger Finlay says PGG Wrightson has traded very well and executed its strategy.

net profit after tax up 41% to $18m. The director declared a fully imputed interim dividend of 12c a share, compared with 9c interim in FY20, and no final dividend at the end of that financial year. That was because of trading difficulties in the six months to June 30 due to covid-19 lockdowns, in real estate, water, wool and sale yards. Chief executive Stephen Guerin says the latest half-year results were over and above just a resumption of business as usual and reflected the positive trends in agriculture and horticulture. PGW shares rose more than 20c after the announcement, now close to $3.60 compared with $2.40 a year ago. The market took note of the interim dividend and the reconfirmed guidance of $57m Ebitda for the full year, anticipating a good final dividend and 6-7% annual yield. Director David Cushing stood down from the board, ending a 16-year period in which either he or his father Sir Selwyn Cushing have served, following the merger with Williams & Kettle. The family remains a small shareholder. Chair Rodger Finlay says Cushing had been an integral part of the team which had turned around the business and delivered the results announced that day.

PGG Wrightson has delivered a very good set of numbers in its first-half results for the 2021 financial year, on what are widespread trading performances across the rural servicing company. Revenue was up 6% to $499.3 million in the six months to December 31, operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) up 21% to $42.1m and

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“PGW has traded very well and executed its strategy to drive consistent performance and growth,” Finlay said. “Customers are benefitting from enhancements in the company, such as e-commerce channels, on-farm hybrid auctions and the popular livestock programme, Go-Stock.” Guerin says all business units within the Retail and Water division traded better than the corresponding period in FY20. Agency revenue was steady at $85m and the operating Ebitda of $9.5m was up 44%. Many parts of the country came out of drought and numbers of farmers rebuilt their capital stock numbers. Horticultural returns are buoyant and farm gate milk prices underpin confidence in the dairy sector. “In the south, some animals are staying on-farm longer to eat the good pasture and crop yields, while in the north cattle numbers are rebuilding,” Guerin said. “Farms that had been up to two years on the market have now sold.” All three categories in real estate – rural, lifestyle and residential – experienced the strongest six months in six years. “The outlook for the second half remains positive subject to the availability of listings,” he said. International supply chains would pose some challenges in the short to medium-term, but they would ease with the roll-out of vaccines. “We are seeing reasonable confidence from our farmers and growers and remain optimistic about the prospects for the sector,” Finlay said. “Although there will always be unforeseen events, PGW and the country are in a stronger position than we were at the outbreak of the virus to navigate these.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Rural internet competition heats up Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz COMPETITIVENESS in New Zealand’s rural broadband market is likely to ramp up in coming months, with the arrival of new providers and expanded satellite capacity in the country. Kacific, Connected Farms and Elon Musk’s Starlink network are building their rural customer base within NZ, either as satellite sources or internet providers. The Starlink system is targeting NZ coverage by midto-late this year, with limited availability. The company’s website states it is currently operating at only “beta” stage, with brief periods of limited or no connectivity in the early stages of launch. The company has launched thousands of LEOs or Low Earth Orbit satellites that communicate with ground station antennas to provide internet service to customers with the appropriate hardware. Issues around latency and signal delay are claimed to be reduced, thanks to the satellites being 60 times closer to Earth than larger traditional satellites. The company is promising data speeds ranging from 50Mb/s to 150Mb/s, rivalling the fixed fibre networks in the ultrafast broadband network. In the meantime, Connected Farms has conducted tests in the NZ market near Fairlie, South Canterbury, and based on success, is aiming firmly at the rural market. The company is offering mobile-like coverage over the farm or “fence-to-fence” wireless connectivity. This is utilising WiFi and private Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology, similar to 4G technology, with the ability to transmit at higher speeds than standard WiFi tech. For farmers struggling with cellphone coverage, the Connected Farms tech may provide a connectivity option, while connecting farm devices to the internet can be achieved using the company’s long-range, low-power wide-area network (LPWAN), suitable for wide farm areas. The Australian-based company is pushing into systems that enable farmers to use their cellphones in areas with poor coverage to receive calls via the internet. Signal ability can also be boosted by turning the farm ute into a repeater-like station, providing a “bubble” of coverage for calls in remote areas, as long as the ute is nearby. “The regulatory regime in NZ does not limit you using such a network, it is a straightforward process, there are only issues with regulations if you use high power transmitters,” chief executive and founder Tom Andrews said. He says topography in NZ does offer its challenges, but the company was using powerful direction antennas that can direct a signal to a specific area

in geographically-challenged districts. Another piece of tech Connected Farms was bringing later in the year were “site edge” or micro data server centres, often located near farms. Unlike much more remote cloud data centres, the smaller local bespoke data centres provide a low-cost, local storage source for regularly collected farm data. “With increasing dairy automation, the use of drones and self-driving tractors, for example, we see the demand and the amount of data only increasing and the centres are a cost effective means of managing that data,” he said. The third company in the market, Kacific, is an Asia-Pacific company that launched its first satellite in 2019 and began transmitting in March last year. It is looking to increase its penetration through the region via internet service providers, including Connected Farms. Kacific chief executive Christian Patouraux says the company’s satellite technology represents the most advanced in the Asia-Pacific region, with download speeds of up to 50Mb/s, capable of high-quality video calls and video streaming.

With increasing dairy automation, the use of drones and self-driving tractors, for example, we see the demand and the amount of data only increasing. Tom Andrews Connected Farms “While NZ is amazingly advanced already with its connectivity, there are still about 100,000 people who are poorly connected who simply won’t be reached via fibre. It is good to have satellite coverage in the mix, offering a service to the last few percent,” Patouraux said. Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPA) NZ spokesperson Ernie Newman says satellite offerings were a growing part of the market, of which WISPA has three affiliated companies working with it. While lag can be a concern for some applications, Newman says satellite operators provide a valued service in areas struggling for alternative signal coverage. “And it seems these new operators are putting their toes in the water to see what the market here is like,” Newman said. However, he says technical challenges can remain in getting a signal from a household router to wider farm coverage, “and of course, cost will be a factor in any service”.

NEED: Connected Farms founder Tom Andrews says the demand for small local farm data servers is likely to grow in New Zealand.

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18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Dairy goats offer rare opportunity Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

These include two large drivethrough loafing barns for housing the young goats, seven barns with conveyor belts for feeding milking DAIRYING high achievers Charlie does, shelters over the machinery and Emma Adair are expanding and accessways, and an 80-bail from dairy cows into the dairy internal rotary milking shed goat industry. They are seeking investments of installed seven years ago. Complementary buildings $5 million or more from high-netinclude rearing sheds for kids, worth and experienced investors feed storage sheds, an implement for one of New Zealand’s largest shed and workshop, and concrete dairy goat enterprises based out silage pads. of Whangarei, Northland. All goats are fed fresh-cut silage The Adairs were announced mixed with kibbled grain meal, 2020 Northland Share Farmers of wheat straw and molasses, and all the Year in the New Zealand Dairy green feed is grown on 80ha of flat Industry Awards, only four years and easy contour, with ryegrass after emigrating from Britain and beginning at the bottom of the NZ and clover pasture. Ray White Whangarei agent Pete dairy industry. Ogle says the Dairy Goat Co-op They have a conditional has an enviable record of looking agreement to buy the dairy goat after its shareholders extremely farm of Allan and Lynne Karels, well. milking and housing 1450 does, “It is one of those rare primary which are fed on cut and carry co-operatives that has managed pasture. The business has 151,699 shares to get the recipe right with the tension between the producer in the Dairy Goat Co-operative at and the market being skilfully the nominal value of $35/share, managed to secure some of the worth at least $5.3m. highest prices paid for milksolids,” However, because the coOgle said. operative keeps a lid on equity Shareholders have received supply, shares are selling well in between $19 to $21/kg in recent excess of their nominal value. years. The goat farm is on 150ha in Production for the Karels has four titles, with five dwellings and averaged 160,216kg MS over the numerous farm buildings. past three years, but the co-op asked all suppliers to stick to their share entitlement last season because of market uncertainties caused by Thursday 04/03/2021 – Saturday 06/03/2021 The Golden Shears covid-19. The Golden Shears has become an inter-nationally That meant a recognised competition for its quality and excellence small downsizing in the skilful art of shearing and wool handling. and milking The three days of competitions encompass open during the winter shearing, wool handling, wool pressing as well as the months. coveted triathlon award. Where: 2 Dixon Street, Masterton Lynne says the Time: 8.00am – 5.00pm shareholding For more information: www.goldenshears.co.nz was built up over the past Thursday 08/04/2021 decade, through Seeing, Understanding, Believing Field Day purchasing from Since November 2020 in a project funded by the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge, farmers other dairy goat within the Nguturoa Catchment near Linton have farmers and by been studying stream health, greenhouse gas and applications farm management issues. for more shares The field day is an opportunity to discuss and see when the co-op the results from our project to date with farmers, opened up the industry groups, scientists and policy agencies opportunities. Where: 267 Millricks Line, Linton in the Manawatu Time: Start 10.30am and finish at 2.30pm including a The current farm and stream walk. operation has

Agrievents

For further information contact Terry Parminter at KapAg Ltd, terry.parminter@kapag.nz In the event of raised Covid-19 Alert Levels in the region, the field day will be cancelled.

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PRODUCTIVE: A dairy doe gives around 120kg of milksolids a season at an average of $20/kg.

AWARDS: Charlie and Emma Adair were the 2020 Northland Share Farmers of the Year.

What we have achieved here in five years would have taken a lifetime in England. Charlie Adair Dairy farmer 12 full-time equivalents in the workforce, including Allan and Lynne’s two daughters and a sonin-law. She and Allan will retire and the other family members will move to other work activities. Milking times are 3.5-4 hours twice daily through the rotary and the average production per goat is 3.5-4 litres a day. Farm working costs of production fall between $9-$14/ kg, according to industry figures from BNZ Agri, and the co-op says average annual production of supply farms is 120kg/doe over a 300-day season.

The co-op has 5.725m shares owned by 72 supplying farms and its revenue last season was $245m. The Adairs have wasted no time in building their dairying business since first arriving in this country in 2015. After a succession of farm management roles, they currently own 1000 milkers, 450 replacements and 1000 dairy-beef cattle. Their business consists of 900 cows being contract milked for the fourth season, with a nearby leased farm carrying 500 cows and a lease-to-buy on another 500cow farm about 10km away, where they live. Ownership of that farm is scheduled for the middle of this year; this is the main target of their relocation across the world. Each year they rear 2500 calves as replacements or to either 100 or 200kg liveweights before sale and they currently employ nine full-time equivalents. Charlie, aged 26, was from a 300-cow family dairy farm in the UK and has a Diploma in Agriculture.

Emma built a career in law prior to working with Charlie in a very equal farming partnership, having arrived in NZ with little more than their clothes. “We have taken full advantage of the extraordinary opportunities available in the dairy industry in New Zealand,” Charlie said. “We have been able to trade forward and build our livestock numbers while breeding Friesian heifers for export, for example. “What we have achieved here in five years would have taken a lifetime in England.” In their fourth season as contract milkers for the same farm owners, they told the award judges that size and scale led to even more opportunities opening up. Animal breeding and pasture management are Charlie’s strengths, while Emma has a gift for calf rearing and managing the couple’s accounts and finances. Their progress has had some setbacks, including two Notices of Direction for Mycoplasma bovis, 137 cattle killed that did not have the disease, waiting for compensation and prolonged drought last summer, which necessitated much higher expenditure on supplementary feeding. Their achievements so far pale in comparison with what they propose in buying and running the Karels dairy goat farm. “It’s all go at the moment, meeting potential investors and explaining who we are and what we propose,” he said. “Before the end of March, we expect to put this together and be able to go ahead.” Ogle says their energy, enthusiasm and intelligence will ensure success and that this is an attractive opportunity to investors wanting a reasonable return out of the rural economy.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Fonterra tries new paths into China Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz A HUGE reduction in holiday travelling over Chinese New Year opened up dairy market opportunities for Fonterra ingredients, and in foodservice and consumer brands. Fonterra chief executive for greater China Teh-han Chow says official figures showed a 77% drop in passengers on public transport between February 11 and 17, compared with 2019. The Government discouraged the traditional holiday travel to home cities, asking people to stay put to confine covid-19 disease outbreaks. Conversely, shorter trips around the places of work and residence increased. “Chinese New Year is the most important time for family gatherings, and for gifts with a major emphasis on food,” Chow said. “The travel impact of covid-19 meant that Fonterra had to change tack.” Contingency plans were conceived as Fonterra’s 1800 employees in China thought of ways to boost sales under the unusual circumstances. For some ingredients, customers’ New Year sales can make up a quarter of their full-year revenue and special themed products are made for the occasion. One customer snack created is a sugar-coated cheese-flavoured lollipop, using only dairy ingredients from Fonterra.

The travel impact of covid-19 meant we had to change tack.

digit growth, compared with 4.9% growth in consumer purchasing overall,” he said. Since the latest covid-19 outbreaks have been controlled, travel restrictions around China have eased. Growth in foodservice demand has resumed, although he was reluctant to say what is “normal” any longer. “We have to develop new plans and products and remain adaptable for whatever comes up,” he said.

ADAPTABILITY: Fonterra China chief executive Teh-han Chow says the company has contingency plans for covid-19 disruptions.

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Teh-han Chow Fonterra China Others made gift packs for sale from midJanuary, necessitating timely changes of deliveries of ingredients. “Our people had to make detailed supply chain and shipping plans and keep close communications with the customers,” he said. In the Anchor Food Professionals team, new recipes were developed for customers to create for the New Year festival. Examples included cheesecake gift packs, cheese-stuffed sticky rice dumplings and oxshaped cakes to reflect the Year of the Ox and the Spring Festival. Chow says the festive occasion also created a huge demand for ready-to-go food products, as families cooked at home rather than attend local restaurants. “We have been working on ways to get cheese dumplings or cheese shrimp balls for hotpots,” he said. “Local food outlets expanded their online offerings and we launched a new frozen shredded mozzarella cheese that remains stretchy and tasty even when pizzas are reheated at home.” In the consumer products business, Anchor Chinese New Year posters were available to be personalised as gifts for family reunions and gatherings. Gifts for elderly relatives featured Anlene rather than Anchor. A small website enabled consumers prevented from travelling home to create an individualised poster to send best wishes to their family members. Chow says over 150,000 such posters were made. These new products and services came from the agility and adaptation of the Fonterra China team, he says. Smaller disruptions to shipping and deliveries had been resolved quickly, so that customers had the ingredients they needed when they wanted them. “Our retail sales over New Year showed double-

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20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Fonterra is working to cut N losses Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA says it is not dwelling on what its nitrogen (N) leaching rate is on its wastewater farms, but rather on how it can reduce the loading and reduce its environmental impact. Fonterra has 16 of these farms across the country adjacent to its factories. It uses these farms to dispose of wastewater left over from milk processing. The usage of these farms as a means of disposing of factory waste came under fire recently after a Radio New Zealand investigation revealed elevated levels of nitrates in the drinking water used by residents who live close to its Hautapu factory. It supplied 38 water filters to nearby residents to remove nitrates from the drinking water. That factory has three such farms, which total about 300 hectares. Fonterra’s general manager of environmental operations Ian Goldschmidt says the amount of N being sprayed onto the three farms varied from 270-460kg N/

ha, averaging about 360kg/ha of N. It is irrigated at 25mm doses using in-ground irrigation with its duration dependent on weather conditions, followed by a 14-day rest period to allow the pastures to absorb the nutrients. However, the actual amount of N left on the farms that could potentially leach into waterways is around 120kg N/ha. This is because Fonterra removes nine tonnes of drymatter/ha of pasture by mowing, which is then sold to farmers as grass silage. Goldschmidt says removing that pasture equates to the removal of 240kg of N/ha, leaving a 120kg N/ha surplus if taken from the average. When asked if that was enough to cause N leaching into water supplies, Goldschmidt says “that’s a pretty hard question to answer”. “We’re focusing on where we want to get to, which is getting that leaching rate down to 30kg N, which we know will deliver improvements on the impact that we’re having,” he said. Fonterra removed the cows a

IRRIGATED: Fonterra sprays an average of 360kg of wastewater across three farms adjacent to its factory at Hautapu in Waikato.

You would probably get around 120-200kg N there, which is in line with the Government’s requirement of 190kg N. Ian Goldschmidt Fonterra few years ago, turning the land into a cut and carry operation to reduce the N loading. The loadings were similar when cows

grazed the farms, but cutting and carrying the grass allowed the co-operative to remove some of the N. “The nitrogen loadings were similar to what they are now, but we have this significant removal of N from that cut and carry operation,” he said. The wastewater treatment plant Fonterra hopes to build would reduce that loading even further, he says. “N leaching would be two to three times less than what we are trying to achieve in the future,” he said, adding that overseer modelling would bring it down to no more than 30kg N leached once that plant is built.

It currently varies between 3070kg N/ha and takes into account the cut and carry operation. The farms also have farm environment plans (FEPs) and irrigation management plans. Fonterra lodged consents in 2018 for the wastewater plant, which was to be built on one of those farms. However, local residents rejected the proposal and Fonterra is assessing alternative locations for the plant. “We’ve been engaged with the community around the Hautapu site for a long time,” he said. Across its other sites, it is undertaking a $400 million upgrade over the next six to 10 years.

Class action against Fonterra AU seeks support LAWYERS spearheading a class action against Fonterra Australia want more farmers to register, while the dairy giant says it has completely overhauled its relationship with its Aussie farmers. “The chance of missing out and stopping the case going ahead is incredibly real unless farmers come forward,” Adley Burstyner litigator David Burstyner said. Adley Burstyner is representing the plaintiffs Geoffrey and Lynden Iddles in the case. The claim alleges that Fonterra Australia breached its contractual obligations with its milk suppliers by implementing a price decrease or a “step down” in May 2016. It also alleges Fonterra Australia engaged in misleading conduct in relation to the likelihood of step-downs during the 2016 season, and finally that it acted unconscionably in its dealings with suppliers during that season. So far, a little over 300 farmers have registered and Burstyner says he’ll start to “feel better if we get around double what we have now”. If the numbers stay low, the funder – Litigation Lending Services – could decide it is not worth the risk.

ALLEGATION: The claim alleges that Fonterra Australia breached its contractual obligations with its milk suppliers by implementing a price decrease or a “step down” in May 2016. Managing director Rene Dedoncker says the company denies the allegations. According to Burstyner, “they don’t want to do that, they are really supportive”. “I don’t want to have to come back to farmers in two months’ time and say ‘we had a really good case, we had someone to pay for it, but you didn’t come forward so I can’t go ahead, or you miss out’,” he said. There is currently no cut-off date, but Burstyner says the court could impose one at a hearing next Friday. “We are potentially getting the cut-off date very soon,” he said. “The case is not just about whether the milk price was right for Australian farmers, but it’s about Fonterra’s pricing guidance

to farmers in 2015-16, virtually promising one price but paying another and then clawing back payments for milk delivered. “In short, we believe that Australian farmers can’t second guess what a global dairy conglomerate spends 10 months virtually promising to pay,” he said. At the time, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) filed Federal Court proceedings against Australia’s largest milk processor Murray Goulburn Cooperative for breaching the Australian consumer law, but decided not to take any further action against Fonterra Australia.

The investigation was launched when Murray Goulburn abruptly slashed its forecast payout for its farmer shareholders in April 2016, a move that was followed by Fonterra’s Australian unit in early May. One of the reasons it opted not to take any action against Fonterra was that it was “more transparent about the risks and potential for a reduction in the farmgate milk price from quite early in the season,” ACCC chair Rod Sims said in a statement. “We think the ACCC got it wrong,” Burstyner said. For its part, “Fonterra denies the allegations in the class action and is defending the case vigorously,” Fonterra Australia managing director Rene Dedoncker told BusinessDesk in emailed comments. “Over the past four-and-ahalf years, we have completely overhauled the relationship with our farmers, starting with the recently formed Fonterra Australia Suppliers Council,” Dedoncker said. “We are proud of the good relationship we have today with our farmers and industry. “This class action relates to the milk price step-down in the 201516 season following

changes in the global market. The class action is funded by a litigation funding provider whose business is to fund litigation in order to gain a commercial return.” Dedoncker noted the ACCC decided not to take any action against Fonterra. On the funding side, Burstyner says “the farmers pay nothing and if the case loses, they still pay nothing”. The funder pays all the costs of the case, 100% of the barristers’ fees, 100% of the experts and 70% of Burstyner’s fee. “I’m out of pocket 30% and I only get that back if the case wins. So, I’ve got skin in the game,” he says. If the case is successful, the funder gets a percentage of the total recovery, which will be set by the court. He says the normal range here is between 20-30%. Meanwhile, the next step involves discovery. According to Burstyner, they will be going back to court on Thursday to try to obligate Fonterra to turn over a series of documents, such as the documents they provided to the ACCC. – BusinessDesk

www.dairywellness.co.nz

Teatseal helps sort spring stress

heavy soil underlain with ironstone can make spring calving a muddy, tough task for Hayden Thurston and his

family, and often the problems managing the mud and wet would only add to problems in the farm dairy. “We found over those wet springs we were having horrendous issues with early season mastitis, and our penicillin use was going through the roof right from the start of lactation,” Thurstan said. The early calvers would often contract clinical mastitis at day four as they came out of the colostrum mob, and it was not unusual to have to hand strip the entire herd every two days. “The monitoring, time and expense we were investing was over the top and very stressful at a busy time of the year,” he said.

“The change was remarkable. The clinical cases just disappeared.” Thurston had already been working closely with South Wairarapa Vets on

Featherston-based farmer Hayden Thurston was reluctant to use Teatseal, but after excellent results, has since incorporated it into

the problem, including ramping up

his spring calving system.

the potency of their dry cow therapy programme to try and nail somatic cell issues at the end of the season and avoid

Teatseal in combination, and those under

and reduce somatic cell counts in New

carrying them into the next.

150,000 receive Teatseal only.

Zealand dairy herds.

The use of Teatseal has taken away

Zoetis veterinary advisor for the South

you headed into a wet spring, three days

a significant level of stress for Thurston

Island Dr Kristen Baxter says a recent

later the same issue has appeared again,”

and family over springtime, and there is

meta-analysis of data found Teatseal

he said.

nothing he would change now about the

reduced the risk of new infections over

use of it in his dry cow programme.

the dry period by 52% compared to not

Teatseal had been on the market for a period, but Thursron admits he had been

treating at all at drying off, and by 23%

cautious about using the non-antibiotic

when using an antibiotic.

treatment that demands a good standard of hygiene at administration. “But we have always been pretty strict on hygiene ourselves, given the issues we have had. We milk through a 40-aside herringbone, and don’t dry off more than 80 cows on any one day, so we have the time and focus to do it properly,” he said. They decided to give Teatseal a go, using it along with their dry cow antibiotic on all cows at drying off. “The change was remarkable. The clinical cases just disappeared. Our cell

“Using a nonantibiotic product like Teatseal provides better protection for cows without an infection, and lets NZ farmers lead the way toward a more sustainable future.”

Some fine-tuning after a few years’ use drying off of over 350,000 get a longer

much to help maintain the sustainability

and milk quality, they increase the risk of

and efficacy of antibiotic treatment.

poor reproductive performance. Cows

“Hayden’s approach, using selective

which have had mastitis take longer

dry cow therapy, is very much aligned

to cycle, and have a lower conception

with both NZ and global antibiotic use

rate when they do cycle. This means

guidelines,” Baxter said.

not preventing and treating mastitis

“Choosing only to treat cows that are

properly at dry off can have economic

likely to have an infection means we are

consequences over many seasons.1

more likely to have effective antibiotics

Other research has also shown cows

when we need them in future, and helps

not treated with an antibiotic-Teatseal

stave off the threat of antibiotic resistance.

combination were also almost twice as

“Using a non-antibiotic product like Teatseal provides

case of subclinical

better protection

mastitis, compared

for cows without

biggest improvement to our herd of any

to those that did

an infection, and

product I have ever used,” he said.

receive such a

lets NZ farmers lead

combination at

the way toward a

drying off.

more sustainable

dropped down to 110,000-160,000 for

means today all cows with a cell count at

practice by farmers like Hayden are doing

likely to have a

count, which sat around 300,000-395,000, the entire season,” he said.

Early season subclinical and clinical mastitis not only decrease milk production

“Teatseal has brought the single

Teatseal has a lengthy history of clinical

acting antibiotic only, those from 150,000

trials that have proven its effectiveness

to 350,000 get a moderate antibiotic and

in helping manage early season mastitis

Baxter says good

future.”

Zoetis New Zealand Limited. Tel: 0800 963 847; www.zoetis.co.nz. TEATSEAL is a registered trade mark of Zoetis. ACVM No. A7294. RVM; Available only under Veterinary Authorisation. 1. Kumar, N., Manimaran, A., Kumaresan, A. et al. Mastitis effects on reproductive performance in dairy cattle: a review. Trop Anim Health Prod 49, 663–673 (2017).

LK0105462©

“We had some success with this, but if

“Teatseal has brought the single biggest improvement to our herd of any product I have ever used.”

News

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Arable growth groups kick off Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz ARABLE industry growers are about to get underway with their first arable growth groups. Growers Leading Change (GLC) coordinator Erica Callaghan says decisions about the first set of arable growth groups (AGG) funding will be made shortly and at this stage, some of the potential groups can accommodate a few more growers. Growers in Northland and Manawatu are top of the list. “We would particularly like to hear from growers in Northland who are interested in arable diversity in their systems, and growers in Manawatu who are keen to learn more about reduced tillage,” Callaghan said. Growers around the country with arable-based retail business are also invited to join one of the early start-up groups. Callaghan suggested, for example, growers selling farmgrown quinoa, hemp or flour who would like to join a nationallybased group looking at marketing and business growth. GLC is led by the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) and

co-funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries Sustainable Food and Fibres Future Fund (SFFF). Launched in October, the new peer-to-peer knowledge exchange programme aims to lift sustainable farming practices for New Zealand cropping farmers. The $2.5 million GLC project is a three-year industry programme that will develop an extension framework for the arable industry. The programme will help cropping farmers lift sustainable farming practices, while boosting efficiency and profitability in their own businesses. In practice, it means setting up a network of facilitated farm discussion groups, trial and demonstration farms, and a mobile learning centre to enable the growers to work and learn from each other. “Arable growers, like other NZ farmers, are facing ever-increasing market, consumer, and regulatory demands,” she said. “While some growers are well set up to embrace these changes, many others have stalled and aren’t sure where to go or who to trust for advice.”

We would particularly like to hear from growers in Northland and Manawatu. Erica Callaghan FAR

FOCUS: Each group will focus on specific agronomic, environmental or business issues for a period of one to three years.

GLC is designed to deliver information and solve problems identified by growers, as such, it is completely grower driven. Information delivery will be via the AGG’s member-only local, regional or national discussion groups. Each group will focus on specific agronomic,

environmental or business issues for a period of one to three years. Field days and technical workshops will be open to all arable levy payers and industry professionals. A small number of arable farms intent on making a big change to their system or business, will be pathfinder farms receiving

ACC invests millions to prevent logging injuries THE Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has taken a stake in Tauranga-based Robotics Plus, as the first investment from its $50 million Impact Investment Fund. The fund, launched in September, aims to improve health and safety, while also providing a strong investment return that reduces levies for accident cover. Details on the first investment are scarce; a statement from ACC only notes the investments are in the target range of $2m to $15m. However, Yamaha Motors paid approximately $12m to buy a 14.6% stake in Robotics Plus in 2018. George Adams, a consultant advising ACC on the impact fund, says there had been hundreds of applications from companies hoping to secure investment, although many were in the early stage and not suitable for a growth capital fund. “When you are in private equity, you kiss a lot of frogs until you find the right one, but this one we are very pleased with,” Adams said. Robotics Plus’ initial projects were in fruit picking and packing, but the firm has recently designed technology to prevent forestry, agriculture and transport injuries. This includes a “robotic scaling machine” that can measure the volume of timber on logging trucks, eliminating

what is a dangerous manual task at ports, forestry sites and sawmills. The first machine was installed at the Port of Tauranga, two have been installed in Napier and three more in Gisborne. Logs are New Zealand’s third-biggest export, worth $4.5 billion in 2020. But log handling is also a major cause of workplace injuries, with some 17,000 active claims costing $75m last year, ACC data shows. “What helped ACC with this particular impact fund investment is we are seen as a strategic partner for someone who is interested in a product that delivers a health, safety or wellbeing benefit,” he said. “We are flush with information and data, and that sort of thing can be very helpful for an organisation looking to invest on that front.” Robotics Plus co-founder and chief executive Steve Saunders says ACC was welcome as an investor and as a strategic partner. “The investment will help us accelerate the development of our advanced technologies that help solve complex global problems, including robotic log scaling technology, as we scale up rapidly and enter new markets internationally while providing solutions domestically,” Saunders said. – BusinessDesk

research and technical support from FAR and other experts. The programme will provide a way for growers to identify the key issues that they feel they need support on and encourage growers to share information and ideas with each other. The GLC programme will also run workshops, field days and other events aimed at upskilling arable farmers and their advisors in a range of agronomic, environmental and financial good management practices. Anyone interested in finding out more about any of the groups, or if you have an idea for establishing an AGG in your area, check out the FAR website at: www.far.org.nz/ growers_leading_change

TAKE ACTION: Farmers have been criticised for enabling the build up of silt in coastal estuaries, but Southland Federated Farmers president Geoffrey Young says when riverbeds are not appropriately managed, bank erosion is a significant sediment contributor.

Concern over river gravel build up Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz FARMERS are urging Environment Southland to address a build up of gravel in several rivers, accumulated after several heavy rain events in the past year. Southland Federated Farmers president Geoffrey Young says his farm has a 20km boundary with the upper reaches of the Mataura River where a significant gravel build up has altered the course of the river and eroded banks. “We have lost a couple of hectares at one spot,” Young said. He says if machinery could be brought to clear deposited gravel and realign the riverbed as soon as flows allowed, then the impact would be reduced. Farmers have been criticised for enabling the build up of silt in coastal estuaries, but Young says when riverbeds are not appropriately managed, bank erosion is a significant sediment contributor.

Environment Southland catchment operations manager Paddy Haynes says a plan is being developed to address the issue involving river surveys to prioritise work. “It’s not an overnight fix. It will take time to rectify,” Haynes said. Large-scale floods in February last year and two heavy rain events in the last two months have caused a gravel build up in the upper reaches of the Mataura and the Oreti rivers. Haynes says recent flooding was caused by exceptionally heavy rain and not a build up of gravel in the riverbeds. The January floods in the Upper Waikaia River at Hyde Rock were caused by a deluge of 121.5mm of rain in 24 hours. “This is one of the largest rainfall events recorded at this site since monitoring began here in 2005,” he said. “In total, 162mm was recorded over three days at the Hyde Rock

monitoring site, compared to the average rainfall for the whole of January of 80mm. This site has an average annual rainfall of 571mm.” He describes the management of gravel in rivers as complex. “Extracting gravel from Southland rivers has always required a consent, under both the Regional Water Plan and the proposed Southland Water and Land Plan,” he said. “As part of the consent, iwi, Fish & Game and the Department of Conservation would be consulted and any environmental impacts would be assessed.” Gravel extraction is done when required or when it affects the integrity of flood protection infrastructure, such as stop banks. Young wants a generic resource consenting process, so gravel can be quickly extracted when deposited in excessive amounts so farmers can protect their infrastructure and businesses just as those in towns can.

AginED Ag ED

FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U E N E R P

Volume 45 I March 1, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I w w w.farmersweekly.co.nz

How clean and green are we? In New Zealand we pride ourselves on our ‘clean green image. We produce some of the best (if not arguably the best) fruit, vegetables, meat, milk and grains in the world. Our farmers, agronomists and horticulturists all work very hard to keep producing top quality products and these are very well received with strong demand from our international markets. Have a think back to the last time you were in your local supermarket. How were the fruit and vegetables presented? Were they free flow (i.e., not already bagged or in containers?). How much of the produce was in containers or bags? What are these containers made from? WHAT ABOUT THE MEAT CABINETS? HOW IS THE MEAT PRESENTED AND PACKAGED? If you look in the milk aisle what do we package our milk and cream in? What are the bottles made from? Historically most people supplied at least a portion of their own food whether it was through vegetable plots, fruit trees, home kill meats or having a house cow. Even people who were not in rural areas usually shopped at smaller local markets, greengrocers, and local butcheries. When people shopped in these places, they mostly used their own reusable bags (yes amazingly these are not a new invention, in fact far from it). Butchers wrapped meat in waxed paper and newsprint. Your milk was delivered in glass bottles which were then returned to the factory sterilised and reused again and again. There is an upswing in a resurgence of people wanting/needing to be more self-sufficient and things like vegetable gardens have gained popularity, with even people in the cities having small vegetable and herb potted gardens and community gardens are also gaining momentum. However, on the whole people are time poor and want/need the convenience of readily packaged or easily accessible foodstuffs. As it stands currently, we are producing a mass of plastic based products which are hard and, in some cases, impossible to recycle and they do not disintegrate well in any environment.

willing to buy something that they cannot see for themselves), without plastic trays and clingfilm? What is the alternative for plastic milk and cream bottles? Is there another way that we could group fruits so that someone can easily buy several without having them in a plastic bag or container? (Again, do not forget people want to be able to see what they are buying.) Is it a matter of changing our packaging or changing our behaviours? E.g. remembering to take your own bag so you don’t have to buy the prepacked fruit or vegetables. How do we keep, reinforce, and grow the clean green image that Kiwi’s know, love and aspire to? We would love to hear your thoughts or even better your ideas and creations for alternatives! Tell us what you think at: agined@globalhq.co.nz

THE GOLDILOCKS BELT OF WEATHER It's been said that Planet Earth sits in the Goldilocks belt of our solar system - not too far from the sun so that it's cold, not too close to it that we burn up. New Zealand is in the Goldilocks belt of weather in the Southern Hemisphere of Planet Earth. We're not too close to the tropics, but again not too close to Antarctica. The placement of air pressure systems near NZ make all the difference to our temperatures as they 'reach' up to the tropics and pull down tropical air - or do the opposite in the south, dredging up polar air. The anticyclonic and cyclonic winds from these highs and lows mix up the hot and cold airflows over/near NZ. In this map, which city has the cold southerly? Dunedin in NZ, or Hobart in Tasmania?

But there's a much more localised wind event which can make some parts of NZ extra hot. It's called a foehn wind - and it's when dry, warm, winds slide down the slope of a mountain range and heat up. (eg, the Canterbury nor'westers). In this map, which NZ city is getting the warmer air flow? Queenstown or Napier?

OUR QUESTION TO YOU IS, WHERE TO FROM HERE? We are producing amazing top-quality products on farms that are then packaged in a simply unsustainable manner. How can we present our meats in supermarkets so that consumers can still see the product (because not many people are

This graph has been supplied by the team at NZX dairy and shows the value of whole milk powder (WMP) in US dollars per ton. Dairy is one of New Zealand’s biggest export earners. 1

How do values over the last few weeks compare to the previous two seasons?

2 When have values been at their highest level? 3 When have values been at their lowest level? 4 Can you name two dairy companies in New Zealand?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

What is whole milk powder used for?

2 Why do you think WMP prices have been increasing? 3 What country is the biggest importer of dairy products? 4 If overseas prices for our dairy products are strong, how will this affect NZ dairy farmers? 5 What are some advantages NZ dairy products have over other countries?

Every part of NZ has a slightly different 'warm' wind and 'cold' wind. What is your warmest wind direction where you live and which direction is usually the coldest? (Btw: It's not always northerly and southerly!)

Got your own question about how the weather works? Ask Phil! Email phil@ruralweather.co.nz with your question and he could answer it on the Weather Together podcast!

Newsmaker

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Award for lasting contributions Late last year, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ principal scientist Gerald Rys was awarded the Ray Brougham Trophy by the New Zealand Grasslands Association, recognising an extensive career and his advocacy for pastoral agriculture and the research behind it. Colin Williscroft reports.

LONG SERVICE: Gerald Rys has been involved in agricultural science in New Zealand for 45 years.

ERALD Rys says he was surprised but happy the Grasslands Association presented the trophy to a core public servant who has taken a different path to many scientists, having spent 45 years in the public service, including 35 years in MPI and its predecessors. Rys grew up on a dairy farm in the southern Rotorua Lakes area, but his father wanted him to get an education rather than stay on the farm, so he headed off to Massey University in Palmerston North to do an agricultural science degree. He says in those days human resources staff from what was then the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries interviewed graduates every year, which was how he joined the Ministry as a district scientist and was initiated into grassland science in Taranaki, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay. During that time, Brougham was director of the Grasslands Division of DSIR and Rys says he was a larger than life director, instrumental in raising the profile of the division, both nationally and globally. “He was a strong advocate for grassland agriculture, so I’m honoured to receive this award in his name,” Rys said. Reflecting back on his career, Rys says it has been a sequence of thirds and all have involved grassland science to a greater or lesser degree. The first third was as a district agricultural scientist out in the field doing applied agricultural research in the southern North Island. Next, he was dealing with science for agricultural and

natural resource management policy in Wellington. It was in the early 1990s and he was working for the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology. Rys remembers looking out of a 12th-storey window and wondering whether he had made the right decision giving up fieldwork.

You cannot manage what you cannot measure, so getting the greenhouse gas numbers right is very important for our farmers. Gerald Rys Scientist But after spending 10 years working on national science policy development, in particular evidence-based policy with the right science behind it, he is sure it was.

The final third, which includes his current role that he was appointed to in 2012, involves providing advice on national science policy, particularly in agriculture. His career has taken him to a variety of places overseas, including the Maldives, Easter Island and the Altiplano region of northern Chile. He is the author or co-author of more than 170 scientific, technical and conference publications, 11 major departmental reports, and commissioned and directly supervised more than 250 significant external contracted science reports. His areas of research have been many and varied, including grassland nutrition; grass and legume cultivar cultivation, the best known being the Droughtmaster perennial ryegrass; grass species establishment and management, particularly in hill country; nitrogen fixation by white clover, including selecting for white clover that continues to fix nitrogen under high nitrogen conditions; and identifying the impacts of drought. More recently, he has been

involved in work around climate change in agriculture, particularly approaches to account for and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and also the effects and adaptation needs of agriculture to climate change. Rys says there have been a few areas of key successes, including early work on supplementing dairy cows with magnesium with the late Peter Young from Ruakura, where cow death rates were reduced and milk production was increased. He was also involved in establishing two research centres to develop, demonstrate and extend agricultural knowledge – the Poukawa Research Station in Hawke’s Bay that is now managed by On Farm Research, and the NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre. More recently he has been involved in the establishment of a NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which has been mandated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He says there is a statutory requirement for NZ to report what its greenhouse gas numbers are

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and initial work on an inventory included a lot of work done overseas, particularly in Europe. However, NZ agricultural systems are different and the inventory needed to reflect that. “It’s important to do research in your own country,” he said. “You cannot manage what you cannot measure, so getting the greenhouse gas numbers right is very important for our farmers.” Rys is confident that agriculture will continue to play an important role in NZ for a long time. He says on a global level the need for food production continues to grow and NZ is in an ideal position to help with that. Although on a global scale NZ is relatively small, he says our livestock-based grassland system puts us in a unique environmental position but we need to sell our approach much better. He says unlike most other farming systems, NZ’s does not use much in the way of crops to feed ruminants that could instead be used to feed humans, with our pasture-based approach more efficient than many others. “That’s a feature we need to stress more,” he said.

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New thinking

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Lasers target pesky birds Using lasers to deter birds draws on images of deadly ray guns shooting the flying targets down in a smoking pile of feathers. The reality is somewhat less spectacular, but proving equally effective in Otago this summer. Richard Rennie reports.

IKE most of the primary sector, the viticulture industry has had to grapple with labour shortages and rising costs in the past year, resulting in what Timbo Deaker of consulting firm Viticultura in Otago calls a “forced innovation” period. “When you look at Central Otago Pinot Noir wine, 62% of the costs per hectare of production lie in labour costs, so there is a lot of effort going in to look at all sorts of ideas to help reduce labour and costs where possible,” Deaker said. That has been heightened by the lack of overseas workers available for all vital jobs, and the high costs of bringing in fewer Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) staff this year from the Pacific Islands. One of the major timeconsuming tasks on vineyards is protecting vines as grapes ripen from birds, usually for about eight weeks prior to harvest. While long-lasting, nets can cost tens of thousands of dollars, take a crew of eight about two days to set up and require considerable ongoing maintenance. “And on a cost basis, 8-10% per hectare of vineyard costs every year are associated with nets. They are a significant category in the budget,” he said. At present, vineyard operators have a bevy of tools to help reduce bird numbers, including nets, gasfired guns and shooting. But a chance article in an industry magazine prompted Deaker to consider using special

lasers as another weapon of deterrence. The devices had been employed at airports and grain storage facilities. Some good feedback from overseas prompted him to trial two different systems here. “We tried two different lasers at two different vineyards, with quite different results; one positive, one negative,” he said. Deaker persevered with the successful system, which he managed to source from a New Zealand firm Maintrac Group in Westport, and now has installed it in six other vineyards across Otago. The laser systems have been used in Oamaru to deter the protected Red-billed gull after the repeated mess and damage they caused in the town’s historic central district. Deaker is not claiming the laser represents some sort of high-tech silver bullet to the bird problem, but it does boost the toolbox of solutions significantly. “We have found there is no one single solution and you really need to have a combination of things going. The birds do get used to one type of prevention, learn to live with it and ultimately return,” he said. “We are still big fans of bird nets and will still net outside strips of vineyards.” The lasers work by covering an orchard or vineyard area from a central point, tilting and panning around an area as required, with the laser light extending 300-400m in daylight. The machines can be powered off the grid using solar

ZAPPED: Timbo Deaker, right, of Viticultura and John Ashwell, site manager for Matua Wines NZ.

We have found there is no one single solution and you really need to have a combination of things going. Timbo Deaker Viticultura units. “The birds see light differently to humans and they find the intense and shifting light patterns disturbing. It unsettles them and messes with their flight path

and ultimately they will leave, particularly if you are combining it with other controls,” he said. He says of the two big vineyards the lasers were on last year, even the poorer performing site reported a better financial outcome than using nets alone. Vineyards vary but crop losses due to birds are not bird seed sums, with as much as 10% losses reported in some badly afflicted vineyard sites. Deaker says vineyards and orchards often have to also wrestle with the reverse sensitivity issues that go with residential housing located close to commercial growing sites. “The two things that can cause problems are gas-fired guns for

bird scaring and frost control. The lasers are silent and quite environmentally-friendly,” he said. And for those who find the romantic appeal of vineyards dulled by intrusive netting, the lasers may help restore that appeal. “We have been advising a TV show that did not want the nets in the vineyards, and the lasers have worked there,” he said. But he says the ultimate bird deterrent may have been witnessed some years ago when Royal Australian Air Force F-18 jets were visiting for Warbirds over Wanaka. “I think they would have been the most definitive bird scarers we have ever had here,” he said.

“It’s alright to talk“

Want to talk? Connect to supports that can help you right now: 1737 Need to Talk? Is a mental health helpline number that provides access to trained counsellors who can offer support to anyone who needs to talk about mental health or addiction issues. It is free to call or text at any time. Youthline www.youthline.co.nz offers support to young people and their families, including online resources about a wide range of issues that affect young people. It can be contacted by calling 0800 376 633, texting 234, email (talk@youthline.co.nz) or online chat. Domestic violence and advice & support, call Women’s Refuge Crisis line 0800 733 843. 0800 787 254 www.ruralsupport.org.nz

Alcohol and drug helpline 0800 787 797.

What’s up www.whatsup.co.nz offers counselling to 5 to 18 year olds by freephone 0800 942 8787 (1pm-10pm Monday - Friday, 3pm-10pm weekends) or online chat. Mental health information and advice for children, teenagers and families is available on its website. The Lowdown www.thelowdown.co.nz is a website and helpline for young people to help them recognise and understand depression or anxiety. It also has a 24/7 helpline that can be contacted by calling freephone 0800 111 757 or texting 5626.

rural people helping rural people

Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

EDITORIAL

More research on regen needed

S DISCUSSION over the role of regenerative agriculture in New Zealand grows, the latest research around it has highlighted the urgent need for clarity about what the concept means in a NZ context, and for more scientific testing of evidence and claims provided by advocates. The white paper produced by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research sets out 17 priority research topics identified by sector representatives, regenerative farmers and professionals in the wider agri-food system. It also introduces 11 principles for regenerative farming from farmer focus groups that can be applied across the primary sector. There is already plenty of research going on, both at a national and local level. Canterbury dairy farmers Align Farms have bitten the bullet and are 18 months into a trial on two of its farms to compare any benefits or disadvantages of a regenerative approach to conventional farming. You’ve got to take your hat off to them as it’s not as if they’ve got a blueprint for NZ conditions they can follow, testing new ways of farming while still remaining productive and profitable. However, for them it’s a natural step to look at regen’s potential, given the company’s mission is to advance human and environmental outcomes by producing nutrient-dense foods in a resilient, diverse and productive environment. That’s not to say it’s been easy, as there’s been plenty of challenges along the way and likely more to come. Given Align’s plans to share its findings with other farmers and other stakeholders, the wider industry could yet owe them a word of thanks if they can produce evidence-based data and examples that provide clear comparisons between regenerative and conventional farming practices that others can learn from. Surprisingly, according to the white paper, it seems that there is plenty of agreement between advocates and sceptics of the practices around regen ag. Let’s hope that common ground is more than just a foothold for future research into it, and that real progress can be made to identifying what it can bring to NZ and how that can be made to happen. It’s an area that is building momentum in other parts of the world and we can’t afford to be left behind, whether that be for the good of the land or to remove another potential nontariff trade barrier.

Colin Williscroft

LETTERS

Wildlife TB test process is flawed LAURIE Collins in Farmers Weekly, January 11, repeats the logical fallacy that as only 54 possums of 124,000 “autopsied” in the 10 years prior to 2016 were found to be infected with bovine TB (bTB), therefore wildlife are not a factor in TB infection in livestock. The problem with this apparently popular conspiracy theory is that these post-mortems are not designed to prove wildlife in a specific area are infected with TB. In fact, if I as a levy-paying farmer and a member of the Northland TBfree Committee found OSPRI was spending resources on biopsies of possums in areas where TB is known to be present in wildlife, I would be asking some hard questions of their priorities. The fact is that the testing

of dead possums and pigs for bTB is to determine the exact opposite; it is to prove there is no bTB in wildlife in an area where either infection has been found in livestock or possum control has been carried out. The danger of this belief that there is a conspiracy by OSPRI to waste millions of dollars in farmer levies on dropping 1080 on innocent wildlife is that recreational hunters will in ignorance release infected pigs or deer in an area that is TB free, which is a potential disaster for the local farming community. And a huge cost in eradicating the disease from wildlife in that area. I agree that there is too much spread of animal disease by livestock movement, including the recent M bovis outbreak.

CHASING TAIL: If OSPRI ever spends resources on biopsies of possums in areas where TB is known to be present in wildlife, their priorities need to be assessed, Federated Farmers Northland acting dairy chair Matt Long says.

It needs to emphasise that Nait can only allow us to follow where an outbreak has occurred, whereas responsible movement of animals that avoids movements from high risk areas can head off new incursions completely. There

will be costs associated with high risk movements in the future. Matt Long Federated Farmers Northland acting dairy chair Whangarei

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Native trees should be a priority Andrew Luddington

WAS delighted to read the article Native Trees Come with Some Caveats, featuring Steve Wakelin and Tim Payn. It is most unfortunate for natives that the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has focused purely on the amount of carbon lock-up facilitated by an area of trees and not taken into account other and arguably as important criteria. When we focus purely on carbon the result will be monoculture. Radiata Pine is the fastest of all, so why bother with anything else? What we will have, and what is already happening, is land bought up by onshore and offshore speculators looking to see the price rise from the quoted $35 per unit, with forward contracts to $46 per unit, to the Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) ceiling of $100 per unit. At a growth rate of exotics at 34 tonnes of carbon per hectare, it is easy to see a very quick return on investment when receiving $3400 per hectare a year. And when the establishment is done, the beneficiary to this scheme sits pretty and idle with nothing to do but count money. It is of no surprise that offshore companies are all revved on the smell of money for old rope, and are wanting to buy up our land. And when you have natives trundling along nice and slowly soaking up just 6.5t of carbon a year, it is likely that the law of united consequence will be their destroyer. I live near the Hinewai Reserve at Akaroa. It is a magnificent example of how to recreate 1200ha of native natural regrowth through hard work and controversy even. The initial concept was dismissed with the line “Only Fools and Dreamers”. And now it stands as a shining example of how to do it. I have worked on many native recreation or restoration sights such as Quail Island, Te Ara Kakariki’s green dots, and currently for the Summit Road Society. My role is to enhance and preserve the purity of the bush in terms of both flora and fauna. Any exotic trees are as welcome as cats, stoats, dogs and possums. These places take in carbon at a modest rate compared to exotics, but their contribution to the general health of the planet is colossal. Now, if the ownership of these places were to change to ETS cash hungry business they would be destroyed. Why claim 6.5t when you can claim 34? Native bush would then be seen as a weed that impedes the monetary flow. What would result is a green tide of Radiata Pine creeping up our areas of outstanding natural beauty. A living green desert of abject monoculture with single purpose. We are struggling with exotics growing as weeds in the high country, particularly in the Mackenzie country in central Otago. They grow like lupins. Exotic trees are arguably the most pernicious weeds of all. Volunteers and even paid staff are busy

The

Pulpit

pulling them out right now and if we think of nothing but carbon lock-up numbers, one wonders what is the point of trying to control them at all. A landowner can expect to sell carbon credits via exotic creep by doing absolutely nothing at all. They or Carbon Credit Farming PLC does not even need to go to the cost of planting. So we have Radiata Pine or other fast growing exotics taking over our backcountry like triffids. And it is a catastrophe. Currently, this planet is not just in a time of anthropomorphic (human induced) climate change, we are in an anthropomorphic mass extinction event. It is going on right under our noses and we are hardly noticing. Counting nothing but carbon lock-up to try to fix the former problem is to further the latter. There is no doubt that natives provide so much more to the general health of the planet than exotic monoculture. We can also look at other benefits. Super high Manuka content honey in London’s top department store is selling for about £2000 for a pot of a few hundred grams. It is silly money. I don’t think Radiata honey will ever be worth anything, even if it can create any honey at all. So what to do? Well, I have planted about 2.5ha of natives on my farm near Rakaia. I have received no income for it and the cost has been considerably more than the $6600/ha; that is the figure used in the article. Natives need to be grown close together. They hate exposure. And a native tree that is large enough to have a good chance of survival in the first few critical years will cost at least $4 including its guard. It is probable that the $6600 figure accounts for the tree and guard only, not the planting cost, the cost of replanting those that have failed and the first few years of critical hard graft to keep them alive. So to answer the question ‘what to do?’, I am badgering the Government to pay out grants for native planting and not for exotics. I am British and that has been happening there for decades, and even way before anyone mentioned global warming. I would also argue for a premium to be paid for a carbon credit

achieved by a diversified forest of suitable natives to the region to bring the income in excess of cost, meaning the profitability of natives versus exotics, into parity. And just as a final and positive point, I came here 14 years ago, bought a farm and have been planting 500 or so native trees on it every year. Fourteen years ago, the area around Rakaia where I farm was pretty stark when it came to diversity. That is changing. I am seeing little green dots of native vegetation here and there, the odd native shelterbelt, and even an entire native wood. These are not being planted for money. They are being planted for love. Because we care. And it is a damn good feeling, and we need a lot more of it.

Who am I? Andrew Luddington is a crop and sheep farmer in Rakaia, Canterbury.

Your View Got a view on some aspect of farming you would like to get across? The Pulpit offers readers the chance to have their say. farmers.weekly@globalhq.co.nz Phone 06 323 1519

OUTCOME: Canterbury farmer Andrew Luddington believes that if we focus purely on carbon the result will be monoculture.

Protecting Kiwi Waterways Dr Bert Quin

QUINFERT ALGERIAN RPR QUINFERT ALGERIAN RPR V.2V2 Reactive Phosphate Rock 12.5% P*, 34% Ca, 1.3% S, 0.6% Mg (*slightly reduced because of ‘CM’ controlled-moisture anti-dust addition) Scores very well in the Watkinson Dissolution Test Low cadmium level of 18ppm (140 mg Cg/kg P) - half the industry maximum Fine (but low-dust) particle size means maximum neutralisation of soil acid Optimise production; minimise P run-oﬀ and leaching

$358/t + GST ex Waharoa, $22/t for other NI depots $358/t + GST+ex Waharoa $374/t + GST ex Timaru, + $22/t for other SI depots $398/t + GST ex Rolleston Blends with sulphur90 and other nutrients available

0800 QUINFERT or Bert Quin 021 427 572

Opinion

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Perception of sector is changing Alternative View

Alan Emerson

IT WAS of little surprise that the recent Federated Farmers and Rabobank survey had 36% of farmers saying it was difficult to recruit skilled and motivated staff. That isn’t just an issue for the primary sector, it is an issue for the country as we need to farm ourselves out of the crisis that was covid. There have been several barriers to rural employment in the past, with the first being our image. I believe that is changing because of the Prime Minister’s statements that we’ll need to farm our way out of the current crisis. That has been well promoted by Feds, who I think have done an excellent job of positioning our sector as mainstream and politically independent. The levy organisations, Beef + Lamb NZ and DairyNZ have supported that. I also believe the organisations concerned have done a great job highlighting the conservation commitment of the sector and the results we’ve achieved. In addition with the lack of opportunity in the cities and the huge price of properties, a large number of people have moved to the provinces. This has been assisted by the fact that people can now work some, or all of the time, from

home. That shows there is more to life than a late lunch on Lambton Quay or a dismal desk job in a big city. What I hadn’t realised was the massive investment by the Government and the sector in highlighting both the opportunities and lifestyle of primary production and the jobs available, along with a comprehensive training package. Last year the Government allocated $19 million to try and get 10,000 people into the food and fibre sectors. As a result of that initiative, so far 1289 have found work, which is a promising start. The initiatives are many and varied. Locally, Taratahi has risen from the ashes and is offering free taster courses in agriculture. Two-thirds of the people on those courses have either entered employment or gone on to further study. Those attending have varied from city unemployed, contractors to airline pilots. The courses are described as practical aimed at getting people work-ready, and “aim to show people what farming is really like”. Taratahi is currently working with MPI to both broaden the appeal of working in primary industry and removing as many barriers as possible. I also spoke to the Primary Industry Training Organisation’s executive general manager – customer development Andrea Leslie. Coming from a rural background she is really bullish about our future, pointing out that enrolments have increased 200%. They’ve doubled since this

APPEAL: Government and primary sector agencies have noted an increase in people looking to study and work in the industry.

All the components for attracting young people to agriculture are in place and it’s up to everyone in the sector to maintain the momentum. Damien O’Connor Agriculture Minister time last year. She believes that the products the ITO is offering are meeting the industry’s needs and that there has been a marked improvement in both structures and programs at the organisation. Leslie also says ITO staff are authentically connected to agriculture at all levels.

I also hadn’t realised there was an organisation called PICA. It’s the Primary Industry Capability Alliance and is supported by the Government, industry good groups and the ITO. The chief executive Michelle Glogau describes some impressive initiatives to get young people into agriculture. These include having role models telling students what life is really like in farming. They’re also targeting teachers. She explains that on-farm you can work, earn and learn at the same time. She also believes that people were starting to move into agriculture pre-covid. Go onto the PICA website – it is impressive. In addition, Lincoln University postgraduate enrolments are up 342%, which is just as impressive. Undergraduate and diploma enrolments are up 28%. Massey

enrolments are up “between 2030%”. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is pleased with progress. “We were the first sector to launch a skills strategy and the second to launch a sector of vocational excellence,” he told Farmers Weekly. “All the components for attracting young people to agriculture are in place and it’s up to everyone in the sector to maintain the momentum.” I started writing this article about the tragedy that 36% of farmers are struggling to find good, motivated staff. Having researched the issue, I’m convinced that is a temporary problem. The minister and the sector are to be congratulated for that. After all, why wouldn’t you move into agriculture? I regularly read about city folk who have two, three or, in one case I’m aware of, four jobs just to keep afloat. I’m obviously biased, but who would spend 60% of their income on rent, travel long distances to work and pay a fortune for meat and vegetables at the supermarket, when you can live on the job with minimal rent, grow your own vegetables and be part of a sector vital to NZ’s future? In addition, country schools offer a unique type of education and individuals and families are a lot safer in rural NZ I rest my case.

Your View Alan Emerson is a semi-retired Wairarapa farmer and businessman: dath.emerson@gmail.com

It’s dry but it’s not a drought just yet From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

I WAS rung a few days ago by Radio NZ asking me if I was in south-eastern Hawke’s Bay. I had to think for a bit as it’s not a term I’d thought of, heard or used. I said I suppose I was, but it was more Central Hawke’s Bay. Did they mean coastal Tararua? They thought that’s what they might be talking about. So, I suggested they were probably thinking a little further south and yes, east of me then. Then they asked how the drought was going. I queried if we were now in a drought and how did they know and they said that we were because NIWA’s latest update had indicated that. I told them that I would

consider that for my district, we were having a good old-fashioned hot and dry Hawke’s Bay summer and that they should ring me in a month because if it hadn’t rained by then, I would agree that we might be looking at a consecutive drought. I said I couldn’t chat any further as the drafter had just waded his way through a race of lambs and now it was my turn to draft those that were off to the works a little later in the day. Leaving those lucky fellows who got to hang around for another month or two picking away at what quality feed I could offer, sipping from nice cleaned out troughs and sitting in the shade of the trees I’ve planted for their comfort. But I suggested they talk to Max the drafter to see what he thought, and I overheard him telling them pretty much the same as I had. After he hung up, I suggested given what we had just learned, maybe we should go deeper into the lambs just in case. But I kept my nerve and said just keep taking out the tops. The February draft is never a big one as I’ve gone deep at weaning

to get over half away and then two months later, the January draft also gets a good number off as the clover levels are usually decent, they are no longer competing with their mothers for the quality and it hasn’t got too hot. So, we sent just 120 that day and later they killed out at a reasonable 19kg, which is fine for non-crop lambs at this time of the year. I’ve learned not to be greedy and just keep reducing the numbers. When my previous drafter Gordon was teaching me how to farm properly, he said that a lamb’s biggest rival was another lamb. Not just the competition against each other, but fewer lambs means a lower carry over worm burden for next year’s lambs to deal with. That evening, I totted up my rainfall figures. Just 20mm for this month, but areas further north of here got good rains in the same event two weeks ago. There was 77mm in January, courtesy of a thunderstorm in the first few days of the new year and a meagre 17mm for December. But we had a wet November, which grew a lot of feed at a time

WAITING GAME: Despite NIWA’s drought map, Steve Wyn-Harris believes that while temperatures have been up, it’s too early to be labelling the conditions yet.

I destock, and there is still a bit of that snap-dried feed around waiting to be cleaned up by older stock. It has been hot though, with temperatures around 30degC, but there has been little wind. I then went to the NIWA site and sure enough their drought index map had us looking good and dry. Folk will be twitchy after last years’ experience and for good reason. Prudent destocking remains a good option, just in case. Space at the meat plants for both sheep and cattle has remained tight. The covid-19 disruption with shipping and markets is one of the

reasons and staffing continues to be problematic. The students have returned to their studies and I hear the apple orchards and vineyards are competing on pay rates for a change, in their own desperation to get their harvest in. So, we hang in the balance. Good rains within the next few weeks will set us up for a good autumn and if the dry continues, then things will get tricky quite quickly. Time will tell.

Your View Steve Wyn-Harris is a Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer. swyn@xtra.co.nz

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

CATCH-22: Because kiwifruit is native to China, most of the growers probably have no idea that Zespri owns the plant variety rights.

Zespri faces a China conundrum The Braided Trail

Keith Woodford

CHINA is New Zealand’s biggest kiwifruit market. Growth of this market has been spectacular with the Zespri-owned SunGold variety much-loved by Chinese consumers. The problem is that the Chinese are also growing at least 4000ha of SunGold without the permission of Zespri. That compares to about 7000ha of SunGold grown in NZ. The question now facing Zespri and the NZ kiwifruit industry is what to do about it. There are no easy solutions. This issue is something I discussed with local folk in the kiwifruit-growing regions of China way back in the years between 2012 and 2015. It did not need an Einstein to work out that the SunGold budwood was already there. However, Zespri at that time had its mind on other issues. Also, they probably had no idea how popular the SunGold variety would become. My impression at that time was that Zespri was a little too cocksure of themselves on most matters relating to China. They had a presence on the eastern seaboard of China, where they were in some trouble over customs duty avoidance, but the kiwifruit growing regions were thousands of kilometres away in the west. They really did not know what was happening. Given that Zespri has the plant variety rights, which run through to 2036, they can now,

in theory, demand that all of the SunGold orchards are cut down. However, the practicalities are daunting. China is a very big place and finding the orchards and identifying which ones are SunGold is scarcely practical. One of my mates who knows a lot about both China and kiwifruit reckons there could be as many as 20,000 small-scale kiwifruit growers who have the SunGold variety. But none of us really knows how widespread the plantings have been. There will be a few big corporates, but much of the plantings will be on land owned by old-style small-scale farmers. To put it bluntly, Zespri has been very slow to address the issue and there is a powerful argument that the horse – or in this case the SunGold budwood – has long since bolted. These are relatively poor people, even by Chinese standards. There is potential for Zespri to do considerable damage to its reputation in China. Also, it is not a crime for these Chinese growers to have a SunGold crop. If Zespri wants to enforce its legal rights it will have to do this through the civil courts, not through the criminal system. Most of the growers probably have no idea that Zespri owns the plant variety rights. What they do know is that kiwifruit are native to China and not NZ. They have had their own varieties of green, gold and red kiwifruit for thousands of years, but they are very keen on this SunGold variety. If NZ does try to enforce its perceived rights, there could be interesting questions in China as to where did NZ get its genetic material from? The answer of course is that it came from China, with NZ scientists then using this as the foundation for their breeding programmes.

At some stage, someone will also ask as to whether NZ paid the Chinese for rights to the original genetic material. The answer to that will be: “Actually, No, we just took it.” The Chinese government has acknowledged the current situation and there is at least implicit recognition that Zespri does have intellectual property rights. But it will be Zespri’s job to do the hard work. That is the way it would also be in NZ, where the Government stands back from civil intellectual property litigation cases.

To put it bluntly, Zespri has been very slow to address the issue and there is a powerful argument that the horse – or in this case the SunGold budwood – has long since bolted.

Zespri has therefore come to the belated conclusion that it might be better to aim for a commercial resolution rather than a legal one. They now have a preliminary agreement to work with a largescale corporate kiwifruit entity in Sichuan, which just happens to be owned by the Sichuan Provincial Government. The stated aim is to create a win-win for all parties. The Chinese Government says it thinks that is a good idea. Unfortunately, it is not quite as simple as that. Although Zespri is the monopoly marketer of NZ kiwifruit beyond NZ and Australian shores, it has to get sign-off for an agreement like this

from Kiwifruit NZ (KNZ), which is a regulatory body. Right now, KNZ is saying they are not convinced this is in the interests of NZ kiwifruit growers. At this stage, we do not know the details of the proposed agreement with the Chinese group. Once KNZ indicated its lack of enthusiasm, Zespri withdrew the draft agreement document they had reached with the Chinese company. They are now working on a revised agreement. In all likelihood, a revised agreement will need to be approved by kiwifruit growers in a vote. The lobbying in relation to that vote is going to be very interesting. KNZ has said that they are nervous that NZ expertise in the growing of kiwifruit will be given to the Chinese. This thinking is likely to be flawed. The Chinese already know how to grow kiwifruit. Their challenge is to spread the existing expertise throughout their industry. The other big question, which KNZ may or may not have asked, is how effective will the agreement be? That is a big question. The agreement seems to be based on the assumption that most of the SunGold is in Sichuan Province where the Sichuan Government has authority. However, not all of the SunGold is in Sichuan. Some will be in Shaanxi, some will be in Gansu and some will be further afield. Almost certainly, none of us, including Zespri, are in a position to quantify the specifics of what we mean by “some”. Even without an agreement, Zespri will be able to restrain large-scale marketing of Chinese SunGold to Europe, North America or Japan. Any importer from those regions would be at risk of having their produce taken

away by Zespri. Accordingly, the likelihood is that most of the Chinese production will stay within China. Recently, I caught up with an old China-hand who first went to China some fifteen years ago to organise the sale of Chinese horticulture products to Europe. Instead, he found the internal prospects were so good that he has spent the past fifteen years growing and marketing fruit (but not kiwifruit) within China itself. The growing seasons for NZ and Chinese kiwifruit are complementary. That is why, right now, those of us addicted to kiwifruit are having to eat Northern Hemisphere product from Italy. The shelf life with current technology is only around seven to eight months. Accordingly, it is not hard to envisage how working with a local Chinese group could be of benefit in marketing NZ kiwifruit across the vast lands of China. Across those lands there are more than 150 cities, each one having more than one million people, most of which Zespri will not get to by itself. Given the above realities, it makes sense for Zespri and the NZ industry to try and find a win-win solution from which everyone benefits. Eastern cultures tend to favour such approaches, but it is not deeply wired into our business DNA here. So, the NZ grower discussions are going to be very interesting. Whatever the outcome, not everyone is going to be happy.

Your View Keith Woodford was Professor of farm management and agribusiness at Lincoln University for 15 years to 2015. He is now principal consultant at AgriFood Systems. He can be contacted at kbwoodford@gmail.com

Wairarapa

Substantial Dairy, Dairy Support, Lifestyle and Sheep/Cattle Farming Portfolio Woodleigh Farm Trust, located in the Wairarapa District, offers its property holdings for sale providing an outstanding opportunity for either owner operators or investors seeking to acquire a large mixed agricultural portfolio of two supported dairy units, a large lifestyle property as well as a substantial drystock sheep and cattle unit all with an exceptional location north of Masterton in the semi-summer safe localities Kopuaranga and Mauriceville.

The two dairy units and lifestyle property with dwelling share common boundaries, with the other two properties within 7 km from the dairy units.

• 235 Donovans Road, an irrigated dairy unit of 143.6 ha

For more information about these properties please contact our Team

• 631 Opaki Kaiparoro Road, dairy unit 173.8 ha with multiple titles

These properties are available as individual units or any combination, including options for going concern including livestock, plant and machinery.

• Opaki Kaiparoro Road, 90.84 ha, currently used as dairy support block with subdivision potential • 398 Opaki Kaiparoro Road, 29.97 ha lifestyle/support block with substantial dwelling with subdivision potential • 436 Jacksons Line, 362.6 ha sheep and cattle property currently used as dairy support John Arends M 027 444 7380

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496

Paul Joblin Steve Penn M 027 443 3756 M 027 448 1221

Kopuaranga 235 Donovans Road Tender

Woodleigh - 143 ha Located 14 km to the north of Masterton is a well sought after mid-scale dairy unit featuring favourable soil types and contour. Farming improvements consist of a 26 ASHB milking shed, various implement, feed and calf rearing sheds. Approximately 35 ha are irrigated by K-line system providing early summer growth assurance. Currently milking 280 cows, with average annual production over the past three years being circa 85,000 kgMS of an effective platform area of 112 ha. The remaining area is in a mix of native bush and established woodlots. Woodleigh is completed with two dwellings with the main homestead featuring three bedrooms + office and two living areas. Woodleigh features some of the districts most favourable soil types and is well suited to continue as a dairy operation or diversify into finishing / cropping.

Property Brokers Pahiatua Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82772 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

Wairarapa Kopuaranga 631 Opaki Kaiparoro Road Tender

Kopuaranga - 173 ha Located some 14 km to the north of Masterton is a well sought after mid-scale dairy unit featuring favourable soil types and contour. Farming improvements consist of a 24 ASHB milking shed, three old woolsheds, various implement, feed and calf rearing sheds. The property has milked up to 450 cows, which has previously included a winter milking herd of 160 cows. Average production over the past three years is circa 120,000 kgMS off the platform area of 160 ha. The property features a three bedroom homestead set in mature grounds. Kopuaranga features excellent road frontage and multiple titles providing subdivision options for the incoming purchaser.

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82771 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz

Kopuaranga Opaki Kaiparoro Road Tender

Millers Block - 90 ha Comprising 90 ha of fertile dairy support land located within the Opaki District, some 11 km to the north east of Masterton. The land is currently all in pasture and is being utilised for the production of hay, baleage and for grazing but could also be utilised for growing crops. Farming improvements include large cattle yards, laneway, reticulated water and hayshed. The property is well subdivided into 16 main paddocks by both conventional and electric fencing. This bareland property features an excellent building platform should you wish to build your dream home within commuting distance to Masterton.

Property Brokers Pahiatua Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82769 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

Wairarapa Kopuaranga 398 Opaki Kaiparoro Road Tender

Support/cropping block - 29 ha Located within the Opaki District, some 12 km to the north of Masterton is a well apportioned 29 ha larger lifestyle/support or cropping block. Improvements on the property include an attractive modern homestead of 320 m2. The home features a master bedroom suite, two further double bedrooms, an open plan kitchen, dining, family room, a formal lounge, family bathroom and laundry on the ground floor. A large fourth bedroom/rumpus room on the upper floor above the garage. The home sits within attractive developed gardens, which include a covered patio area attached to the house, a double detached garage and wood shed. The property has been utilised as dairy support and cropping and is well suited to most farming practices utilising some of the districts best soil types.

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82770 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz

Mauriceville 436 Jacksons Line Tender

Val'dor - 362 ha Val'dor is a summer safe sheep and beef semi finishing farm situated approximately 18 km to the north east of Masterton. The farm is currently being operated as a dairy support block running young stock and wintering mixed age dairy cows. Val'dor features a four bedroom home with expansive decking set in mature grounds. Farming improvements include a four stand woolshed with adjoining covered yards, various shedding, satellite yards, cattle yards, a fertiliser bin and airstrip. The property has a good range of contours, including some 95 ha of easy cultivatable hills, the remaining area is mainly medium hill with some steeper sidlings. In addition there is some 12 ha of pine trees and bush, and a further 5.6 ha of QE11. Located in a sought after district, Val'dor provides the astute purchaser an excellent add on or first farm. Property Brokers Pahiatua Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82752 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

Ross 129 Waitaha Road Tender

A real change in real estate.

Slice of South Westland paradise Consisting of 162 ha freehold with approximately 68 ha of improved pastures and the balance native bush and pine trees. From livestock grazing to hunting and fishing in world renowned Ellis Creek, this is the ultimate outdoor lifestyle location with income or small scale farm. Improvements include a modern four bedroom Lockwood home plus a range of farm shedding, cattle yards, covered fertiliser bin, partially deer fenced with an older set of deer yards. The improved farmland consists of free draining alluvial silt loam soils that can be utilised for dairy support, beef breeding, finishing or deer, providing a return on your investment. Located just 30 mins south of Hokitika.

Tender closes Wednesday 31st March, 2021 at 4.00pm, at Property Brokers Office 22 Weld Street Hokitika View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/HKR83308

Gareth Cox M 021 250 9714 Pauline Cox M 027 439 3173

The Property Brokers and Farmlands partnership means great things for provincial real estate Together our combined strengths complement each other to create bigger networks, more buyers and better results. For more information call 0800 367 5263 or visit pb.co.nz/together

Proud to be together

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Takapau 3591 State Highway 2 Tender

Oakcott ventures piggery - cash is king! This is a 'one of kind' opportunity, a highly profitable piggery operation ideally located at Takapau in the desirable Central Hawke's Bay district. The property consists of 21.0003 ha and is very well improved from both the lifestyle and business perspectives. There is a very good main homestead plus a garage/workshop/stables building alongside the dwelling, providing a great base to really enjoy the Hawke's Bay lifestyle from. There are extensive piggery improvements, including office/staff room, meal and bulk grain mixing shed, sow mating shed, dry sow shed, two farrowing sheds, three solaris sheds, four fattening sheds, pig finishing sheds and weaner accommodation, plus five grain silos with combined holding capacity of 1,500 tonnes. There are high levels of piggery management practices in place with a recent Pig Care Audit Rating score of 90% in November 2020. Overall, this is a property with a high level of improvements and it represents an excellent business purchase opportunity

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes Thursday 11th March, 2021 at 4.00pm View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/HVR80132

Chris Heenan M 027 599 3527

E chrish@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

NEW LISTING

Ohuka 734 Ohuka Road

Farming, hunting, with rainfall Located in the Ohuka valley 43 kilometres west of Wairoa is Craighurst Station, a faithfully farmed 943 hectare landholding with approximately 500 effective hectares. A traditionally farmed sheep and beef property which has an excellent fertiliser history, great workability, a very good standard of conventional fencing and station gates, captures very good rainfall, and has good portions of easy and medium contour. Boasting a fully refurbished four bedroom home with new office, kitchen, two bathrooms, large decks, elevated to take in the stunning rural views, you may never want to leave. Other improvements include a four stand woolshed/covered yards complex, steel cattle yards, four bay implement shed/workshop with satellite sheep yards. Vendors are purchasing another property. You won’t want to miss this one, the hunting is phenomenal! View by appointment.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Mon 15 Mar 2021 17 Napier Road, Havelock North Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Stephen Thomson 027 450 6531 stephen.thomson@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2852498

EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 BOUSFIELD MACPHERSON LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Whakarongo 522 Napier Road

Executive living on a stunning equestrian property

On the doorstep from Palmerston North sits a superbly maintained rural escape with state-of-the-art equine facilities, immaculate homes and pastures. This rare property is an acclaimed thoroughbred breeding and training stud, but there is ample opportunity for horticulture or livestock. The executive home offers spacious country lifestyle for the whole family. The open-plan kitchen and entertaining space flows onto a curated rural outlook with sweeping views across the property. A generously sized second home provides another haven. The equine infrastructure has been meticulously developed; a purpose-built arena, track, walker, fencing, vet facilities, stables and admin complex culminate in everything you need to keep your prized charges safe and under excellent care.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 2pm, Thu 11 Mar 2021 49 Manchester Street, Feilding View by appointment Andrew Bonnor 027 941 7630 andrew.bonnor@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/3100369

bayleys.co.nz

MID WEST REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 1, 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

NEW LISTING

Boundary lines are indicative only

Ongaonga 180 Ngaruru Road

Canterbury 1735 Wards Road, Charing Cross

Aviation enthusiasts country retreat

Rarely does a property come to the market with its own plane hangar and private 450m airstrip. The house was built in 1993 by the current vendors who were farmers of repute and have a lifetime experience of flying light aircraft. Nothing is out of place and the practical modifications and attention to detail with maintenance over the whole 5.4086ha (STS) mini-estate is apparent. The two storey, four bedroom, three bathroom home offers charm and comfort with an extensive gable ceilinged open plan kitchen/dining room. A secondary four bay concrete floor workshop along with 30m water bore is also on offer.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 25 Mar 2021 Railway Station, 11 Bogle Brothers Esplanade, Waipukurau View by appointment Andy Lee 027 354 8608 andy.lee@bayleys.co.nz Andy Hunter 027 449 5827 andy.hunter@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2870784

EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

For lease Deadline Lease (unless leased prior) 12pm, Thu 11 Mar 2021. Situated in the highly-favoured area, Charing Cross in Central Canterbury. Properties like this are seldom available for lease. At approximately 180ha, this is an ideal size to add to an existing operation or as a standalone property. Suitable to a multitude of uses with approximately 52ha irrigated by centre pivot, with the possibility of further irrigation development considered, if required. Currently fattening lambs and growing cash crops, with water supplied from the CPW Irrigation Scheme, enabling the tenant possible land use change options. Woolshed, sheep and cattle yards and an array of hay and implement sheds.

N EW

LIS TI N G

bayleys.co.nz/5514494

DEVELOPED, PRODUCTIVE & VERSATILE 114 Makoura Road, Apiti, Manawatu This property will suits a range of land-uses, with approx. 40% having been cultivated into new pastures over the past 7 years, the soils are loamy, free draining types, classified as Kiwitea Fine Sandy Loam. Balance of country is predominantly clean, very medium hill. The water reticulation system is a real feature, redesigned/re-built with 50+ troughs. Well laned with significant runs of new fencing. The four bedroom home has freshly painted living areas and new carpet through-out. Open Days Wed 4/3 & 11/3 led ride departs woolshed 11am.

210.58 hecatres Video on website

nzr.nz/RX2577666 Tender Closes 11am, Thu 8 Apr 2021, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

For Lease View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Craig Blackburn 027 489 7225 craig.blackburn@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

Hikurangi 859 Russell Road

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 1, 2021

For Sale

Be the new kid on the Block... When you buy this well-established dairy goat farm. 2021 is the year my vendors want to retire and so present their industry leading dairy goat operation for your perusal. Multiple options exist here today; 1. Buy the entire package as a full blown going concern 2. Split the farm and Shares into two, and set up a second goat unit 3. Purchase the NZDG Shareholding (170,000 shares) and the leading genetics goat herd and relocate the operation to your own property.

Deadline Sale 12 Noon Thursday 18 March 2021(unless sold prior) View: harcourts.co.nz/ML4499

So, they are ready to do a deal – it’s time to hand the baton over…is it to you?

Team Taranaki

Ōtorohanga 713 Honikiwi Rd First farm, Support block or larger lifestyle

Opunake 497 Wiremu Road Large Dairy Unit – Taranaki Only 12.8kms from Opunake, this 315 hectare mainly flat daily unit consists of 285.67 Hectares of Freehold land with four titles plus 29.1374 Hectares of PKW leasehold. Buildings consist of 50 bale rotary dairy, 4 feed sheds, 4 implement sheds. Paddocks are serviced by well maintained central metal race. Stock currently includes 400 dairy cows plus 455 mixed stock. Supplements made – 750 tonne Maize, 900 bales hay/silage. There are four houses – the main house has five bedrooms, expansive open plan living. Options available. Please ring for more information. Tender closes 26 March 2021, 4.00pm at 51 Devon Street West, New Plymouth (unless sold prior) View Thursday 4 March 11.30am - 1.00pm (can bring 4WD) taranakiharcourts.co.nz/NP8243

Pat McFetridge AREINZ M 027 273 3940 P 06 759 9160 pat@taranakiharcourts.co.nz

Linda McFetridge M 027 207 6809

linda@taranakiharcourts.co.nz Team Taranaki Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Located just 10 km’s West of Otorohanga, this very tidy 51.9087 hectare (128 acre) property is going to tick a lot of boxes for those searching for a well located property where all the hard work has been done. With a good mix of contours, high standard of fencing and handling facilities, this outstanding grazing property will not disappoint. • Approximately 47 hectares in grass • Comfortably wintering 120 cattle • 200 Round bales of silage produced annually • Good fertilizer history • 3 Bay implement shed • Attractive 3 bedroom Lockwood home built for views Retiring vendors who are realistic about selling have priced their property to get interest.

For Sale $1,500,000 Plus GST (if any) View Wed 3rd March 11am Wed 10th March 11am Wed 17th March 11am harcourts.co.nz/OH8959 Kerry Harty 027 294 6215

kjharty@harcourts.co.nz Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Karen Lennox 027 559 4468 kjharty@harcourts.co.nz Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 1, 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Dairy Farm Land of Opportunity - 183.2441 ha

Open Farm

671 State Highway 31, Otorohanga

$4,750,000 +GST

•

Location couldn’t be better, 7km to Otorohanga and only 24km to Te Awamutu

Open Farms: Wednesday 3rd March 1.00 - 2.00pm

•

The property is in 5 Titles, with 2 blocks one on each side of the road with an underpass connecting the blocks. Contour is mostly flat and rolling with some steeper sidlings

Call Steve now for more information.

•

With quality infrastructure including a 40 ASHB shed, feed pad, silage bunker and ample shedding, new effluent pond. Water is sourced from a refurbished consented well on farm

•

This property boasts 2 houses, both with 3 bedrooms and good garaging Steve Mathis 027 481 9060 steve@rals.co.nz

Property ID RAL742

Rural and Lifestyle Sales.com Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

ruralandlifestylesales.com

Rural

The Investment Opportunity of 2021 Two stand-alone Countdown supermarkets For sale individually or together.

COUNTDOWN STRATFORD New 10 year lease | $705,000 Net p.a (approx.)

Waikato support block 287 Newman Road, Te Awamutu 78.6ha (STT) picturesque land suitable as a runoff block for dairy support or as a beef grazing unit. The contour varies from river flats with a stony bottom freshwater stream, to rolling contour plus some steeper sidlings. Infrastructure includes a woolshed and yards. Approx 15ha of the land is mowable, with around 2.5ha of beautiful native bush. Located approx 25min from Te Awamutu. Price is + GST (if any).

rwteawamutu.co.nz/TEA23725 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Deadline Sale Closes 24 March at 4.00pm at Ray White Te Awamutu, unless sold prior View Tuesdays 2 & 9 March, 11.00am - 1.00pm

Noldy Rust

027 255 3047

COUNTDOWN MOSGIEL New 10 year lease | $954,557 Net p.a (approx.)

For sale via Deadline Private Treaty with offers to be lodged by 4pm Wednesday 10th March 2021.

countdowninvestments.co.nz

Cherie Kemp

027 271 9806

BENET CARROLL STRATFORD +64 21 028 94537 benet.carrol@colliers.com

BLAIR PETERKEN NATIONAL +64 21 421 426 blair.peterken@colliers.com

DEAN COLLINS MOSGIEL +64 27 499 0974 dean.collins@colliers.com

LICENSED REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 1, 2021

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

NEW LISTING

GLEN MURRAY, FRANKLIN 'Benmar Station', 565 Matakitaki Road This 637 hectare (approx) dry stock farm situated in Glen Murray is a prime example of a well thought out and well-presented farm, from the high standard of the two homes, to the infrastructure, to the raceway system for access to the whole farm. Everything has been well thought out and executed.

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 3.00pm, Wednesday 14 April

VIEW By Appointment Only

For a quality Sheep and Beef unit, this will be hard to go past. Mark Needham M 027 704 6833 E mneedham@pggwrightson.co.nz pggwre.co.nz/PUK33751

FAIRLIE, MACKENZIE 246 Stanton Road 'Stanton Station' - 1,519 Hectares 'Stanton Station' has scale and scope, a successful store stock property historically carrying 7,500 stock units. Located in the favourable Fairlie Basin the property is known for its production of quality stock with lambs sold at an on farm sale in February and beef calves sold as weaners. A small number of stags are run in conjunction with the opportunity to increase numbers. A good balance of flats and downs with winter feed and supplements made on farm. Well tracked with easy downs rising to steeper hill and 69ha of forestry. Two homesteads in established settings. Various purchase options

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

Plus GST (if any) No Prior Offers Closes 1.00pm, Thursday 25 March

Calvin Leen M 027 453 0950 Carly Galbraith M 027 332 2222

pggwre.co.nz/TIM33731 Helping grow the country

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Your destination for rural real estate Market your property to an audience that counts

Add another touchpoint to your campaign on the website built for farmers. Align your brand with content farmers read: • Geo and agri sector targeting options available • Post campaign analysis of your adverts performance • Advertise on our Real Estate page alongside relevant editorial content • Enrich your print ad - Click through to your property videos or websites from the virtual edition.

Contact your agent to advertise today! 0800 85 25 80 farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

NEW LISTING

TAUMARUNUI, KING COUNTRY 117 Cemetery Road 'Otangiwai Station' - 1562ha Magnificently contoured farm - extensive flats and easy hill to strong Matiere hills. Excellent fencing and lane-ways throughout the property. Strong fertiliser and top water supply.

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm, Friday 9 April PGGWRE, 57 Rora Street, Te Kuiti

VIEW 10.00-1.00pm, Tuesday 9, 16, 23 & 30 March

Vendors have run cattle only in the past - over 3000 cattle wintered. Opportunity to purchase a top class farm with fertility, infrastructure and scale rarely come to the market. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855 | B 07 878 0265 E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz pggwre.co.nz/TEK33634 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

For more great rural listings, visit www.pggwre.co.nz www.pggwre.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008

Helping grow the country

NZ’s leading rural real estate company

Helping grow the country

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising 0800 85 25 80

Tech & Toys

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 1, 2021

SHEEP JETTER Sheep dipping… made easier!

• Fantastic penetration • Get one now before price increase

Innovative Agriculture Equipment

7685

$ Serving NZ Farmers since 1962

+ GST

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• Manufactured from stainless steel • Electric Eye • 800-1000 sheep per hour

www.pppindustries.co.nz / sales@pppindustries.co.nz / 0800 901 902

E R O M D E E N

N O I T C A TR ARM? F E H T ON

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17”

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Get the NEW Terrafirma errafirma 50/50 Rugged Terrain Wheel & Tyre Package CALL US TODAY!

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Terms & Conditions Apply

The Teatwand Exact is an Automatic Teat Spraying System suitable for any rotary platform type new or old running at speeds approaching 5.5 seconds per stall. Thorough teat spray coverage of all four teats is achieved with the use of two independently controlled spray nozzles that extend under the cows’ udder as the rotary platform passes. The Teatwand controller can easily adjust the sequencing and spray volumes applied to cows' teats. Since 2008, Onfarm Solutions has been committed to help dairy farmers to win the war against mastitis.

sales@onfarmsolutions.com

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 1, 2021

Primary Pathways – Jobs, Education & Training

Dairy Sheep Farm Manager

wanted.

Apatu Farms operate a multi-dimensional Agribusiness throughout Hawke’s Bay.

DOGS FOR SALE

FLY OR LICE problem? Electrodip – the magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides. Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness. Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t r o d i p . c o m

HEADING PUPS age nine weeks. From Terry Nalder’s ‘Di’ out of ‘Debbie’ X Eion Herbert’s ‘Haig’. NZ Champ. And Scott Archibold’s ‘Ted’ X Justin Wallace’s ‘Slade’. Phone Terry 03 525 9809. WE HAVE A TOP selection of young Huntaways for sale. We are not traders we are breeders trainers and sellers based in Southland. Transport to the North Island no problem. Join us on facebook workingdogsnewzealand. Check out our web site w w w. r i n g w a y k e n n e l s . co.nz. Ringway Kennels. Phone 027 248 7704. WORD ONLY ADVERTISING. Phone Marie on 0800 985 25 80.

12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. BUYING HEADERS, Huntaways, Beardies, Collies NZ Wide. www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos. email: mikehughesworkingdogs@ farmside.co.nz. Phone 07 315 5553

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Please email a cover letter and CV to jobs@apatugroup.com or phone Mike Mullooly for a confidential chat on 021 431 996 Applications close 21st March 2021

Noticeboard

FARM MAPPING

ACHIEVE YOUR DAILY goals with simple and clear farm maps. Visit farmmapping.co.nz for a free quote.

FOR SALE 16-YEAR-OLD mare. Good horse for hunt season. HB. Phone 027 688 7535. MACEWAN MASPORT MAJOR. 3 phase milking machine. Still in use. $3000 ono. Phone 027 657 6280.

FORESTRY WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide. We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase. NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 04 293 2097 Richard.

GOATS WANTED GOATS. 40 YEARS experience mustering feral cattle and feral goats anywhere in NZ. 50% owner (no costs). 50% musterer (all costs). Phone Kerry Coulter 027 494 4194.

GOATS WANTED

LEASE LAND WANTED

NAKI GOATS. Trucking goats to the works every week throughout the NI. Mustering available. Phone Michael and Clarice. 027 643 0403.

FOR BEEF CATTLE. Preferably Northland. Long term. Phone 021 090 54024 / 09 436 3628.

GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

HAY FOR SALE HAY ROUNDS $75+gst; squares $60+gst. BALEAGE $75+gst. Unit loads available. Top quality. Phone 021 455 787. FOR ONLY $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Marie on 0800 85 25 80 to book.

HORTICULTURE NZ KELP. FRESH, wild ocean harvested giant kelp. The world’s richest source of natural iodine. Dried and milled for use in agriculture and horticulture. Growth promotant / stock health food. As seen on Country Calendar. Orders to: 03 322 6115 or info@nzkelp.co.nz

Lease land wanted to grow export hay. South Island wide. Large areas of lease land required. Dryland and irrigated. Would consider anything.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556.

Please phone or text Andrew Quigley 027 436 9307 andrew.quigley@quigleyfeeds.co.nz

MCMILLAN BREED WILTSHIRE ram lambs. Good sires. Three left. Offers. Phone 027 243 8541

w w w. e l e c t r o t e k . c o . n z

WILTSHIRE EWES, 2th Rams, RL & EL July born. Benneydale Wiltshires. King Country. Vaxed. 10yrs established clean shedding. Ram Lambs $350+gst 60 for you to choose. High rainfall soft land resistant. Phone Joe Hodge 027 2806 747.

DOLOMITE NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call ....

0800 436 566

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

STOP BIRDS NOW!

P.O. Box 30, Palmerston North 4440, NZ

ZON BIRDSCARER

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz

Heavy duty long lasting Ph 021 047 9299

WOOL

Independent wool brokers

Est. 1983 Dedicated to delivering farmers the best service and best returns

Under Woolshed/Covered Yards Cleaning Specialist www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

DE HORNER

Phone: +64 6 357 2454 HOOF TRIMMER

EARMARKERS

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER GENUINE REDUCTION 12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

43 Severn Street Pandora, Napier . 06 835 6174 . www.kellswool.co.nz.

Nominate a school on booking and we’ll donate $100 on payment of your account.

ONE HUNTAWAY good nature and bark, voice commands only. ONE 6-month old huntaway pup, ready to start. ONE 6-month old heading pup, ready to go. Phone 027 243 8541.

Phone Scott Newman Freephone 0800 2SCOTTY (0800 27 26 88) Mobile 027 26 26 27 2 scottnewman101@gmail.com

✁

DOGS FOR SALE

FROM THIS

✁

New Zealand’s Number 1 service provider for under woolshed and covered yard cleaning since 2004

BARLEY & WHEAT STRAW RYE GRASS STRAW MEADOW HAY LUCERNE & MEADOW BALEAGE

TO THAT

Available in Squares & Rounds Phone Mark 0800 478 729 or Tracey 027 554 1841

QUALITY Feeds You Can TRUST

Special Price

$4200

$3900 GST INCLUSIVE

Very limited stock To find out more visit

LK0106149©

APE. TAIH UNE. G N I K K S. A WORTIHI. OHRK AREA W] O E RA NAL PA HED N S O NATI K YOUR [BOO

GORSE AND THISTLE SPRAY. We also scrub cut. Four men with all gear in your area. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

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CONTRACTORS

✁

We also clean out and remetal cattle yards – Call Us!

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SOUTHERN NORTH ISLAND. Class: Weaners, 20 Month Heifers, Steers or Cows. Duration: 2-6 months. 12-24 months. Contact: Mark Grace. CR Grace Ltd. 021 222 8470 mark@rathmoy.co.nz FOR ONLY $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Marie 0800 85 25 80.

DOGS WANTED

The experience, responsibilities and skills required are: • Livestock handling experience, minimum of two years • 2-3 dogs capable of yard work and mustering small paddocks • Fencing and repairs and maintenance skills • Experience in operating farm machinery (vehicles/four wheelers/ motorbikes/tractors and other associated farm equipment) • Flexibility to work extended hours to meet the operational needs • Self-motivation and able to work autonomously to meet deadlines • Fit, active and able to work cooperatively with others • Full drivers licence and able to pass a pre employment drug test

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ANIMAL HANDLING

We are looking for a motivated person to be part of a small team to help achieve and exceed our livestock goals during our lamb trading season (March to October).

This is a seasonal position, however at the completion of our 2021 lamb trading season the right candidate could have an opportunity to be involved in other tasks within the wider Apatu Farms business.

wholesaleseeds.co.nz

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

CATTLE GRAZING WANTED

For more info, or to apply, contact our executive assistant Allison Burrough on 03 307 9260 or allisonb@wholesaleseeds.co.nz

The operation comprises of the cropping platform on the Heretaunga plains and pastoral properties all within close proximity to Hastings.

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farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

We’re looking for two dedicated, self-motivated Senior Agronomists with great reputations within the farming community who are looking for a new challenge. Tasks include ensuring successful crops within your territory and hunting out progressive, like-minded clients to drive growth across our business – literally. You’ll be responsible for the soil, seed and everything in between; reporting to our Sales Manager in Ashburton but spending the majority of your time out in the field where it counts. An equally significant part of this role will be providing direction and motivation to junior staff across the business.

Our Livestock division consists of 450ha of finishing country which is supported by 900ha winter lamb finishing platform working in conjunction with strategic cropping programmes. The business demands a high level of integration between systems.

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Senior Agronomist - North Canterbury Senior Agronomist - Mid and South Canterbury

Follow Farmers Weekly Jobs on Facebook to view primary industry jobs first!

JONES DAG CRUSHING. Buyers of wet and dry dags, we also buy sheep manure from under woolsheds and covered yards. Pick up service available for loose and baled. Phone Andrew 027 208 5270

Experienced Shepherd – Hawke’s Bay

Ag jobs first!

ATTENTION FARMERS

Senior Agronomists

A new dairy sheep conversion 6km from Cambridge requires a Farm Manager. We will be lambing 620 ewes from July 15th on 40ha this season increasing to 1000 ewes in year 3. A 42 aside rapid exit shed is being built. The flat farm is part of a 200ha beef block. The Farm Manager will work closely with the Farm Owner who lives on farm. You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the farm including milk harvesting, pasture management, animal health, and staff management. You will also be required to help shift beef cattle. Previous sheep experience is essential with dairy experience in some capacity advantageous. You must have attention to detail and excellent stockmanship. There is a tidy 3-bedroom house available with excellent schools nearby. Remuneration and start date negotiable. Please apply with CV to FCLfarming@gmail.com Phone Kieryn Tapper 022 627 6312

CRAIGCO SHEEP JETTERS. Sensor Jet. Deal to fly and Lice now. Guaranteed performance. Unbeatable pricing. Phone 06 835 6863. www.craigcojetters.com

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

www.moamaster.co.nz Phone 027 367 6247 Email: info@moamaster.co.nz

Noticeboard

t os le re m iab he s ar s ld v r i or ul e W erf lipp w c po ed e sp

handypiece ■ Ideal for shearing sheep, alpacas, goats and cow tails ■ Variable speed from 2400-3500 rpm ■ Latest brushless motor technology means minimal heat build up ■ 1400gms means 100-200gms lighter than standard handpiece ■ At 2700 rpm the 12-volt lithium battery will crutch up to 300-400 sheep, 400-500 cow tails ■ Tough alloy switch box with auto reset fuse for overload or lockup – clips to belt

Field Days Special – receive a FREE box of 10 cutters

TUAKAU WEANER HEIFER FAIR

Mossburn Rugby Club Centennial

Thursday 4th March 2021 Start: 12.00pm 380 x Charolais X 160 x Simmental X 100 x Angus 50 x 3/4 Hereford 30 x Shorthorn X

4th-6thJune 2021

TUAKAU WEANER STEERS

See us at CD Fieldays on AGBITS site G16a

View in action go to www.handypiece.co.nz

Email: dave@handypiece.co.nz

Friday night: Registrations and auction with guest speakers Saturday: Kids games, photos, senior rugby game, evening function with dinner and band Sunday: Brunch, Hinds game, and invitation game

Got something to sell?

Livestock Noticeboard

Thursday 4th March 2021 49th ANNUAL WEANER FAIR A/c F J Guy & Sons Omaunu Rd, Kaeo 1pm start Comprising approx: 700 hill country Beef Wnr Strs & Hfrs Enquiries: Neil Miller 027 497 3492

2021 CONFERENCE & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THURSDAY 18 MARCH | ASCOT PARK HOTEL, INVERCARGILL

The opportunity exists for motivated and qualified individuals to be nominated for the Board of the NZRSB. Nominations open now.

SHIRE®

SHIRE® (hair) & WILTSHIRE (shedding) Low input meat breed, NO FLY STRIKE, NO DAGGING, NO SHEARING, NO VACCINES, NO DIPPING NO DRENCHING SINCE 1989 Wiltshire Stud established 1987 • SHIRE® Stud discovered 1998

Nominate by emailing info@nzsustainablebeef.co.nz with the nominee’s contact details and a bio or resume, or visit www.nzsustainablebeef.co.nz

Livestock Noticeboard

DISPERSAL SALE MIXED AGE COW, HEIFER CALF & BULL CALF DISPERSAL MONDAY 22nd MARCH 2021, 11am at COVENTRY STATION, MURIWAI, GISBORNE

SALE CATALOGUE & VIDEO on www.rangatiraangus.co.nz VIEWING DAY SUNDAY 21st of MARCH Between 1pm & 4pm or by appointment THROUGHOUT THE NORTH ISLAND ALL LOTS HAVE PASSED AA INSPECTION | FREE DELIVERY & TO WELLINGTON FOR SOUTH ISLAND PURCHASERS

RARE OPPORTUNITY – TOP GENETICS ON OFFER COWS MATED TO: Kaharau Outlander 632, Kaiwara 480/14, Turiroa Maverick 945 ALL COWS VETTED IN CALF & other Exceptional Sires. CALVES EBV’s available online beginning of March & hard copies will be mailed out as soon as possible.

Phone Tim & Helen Gow 03 225 5283 www.organic-rams.co.nz • Email: tim@organic-rams.co.nz

ALL CALVES ARE SIRE VERIFIED

Please contact us if you would like to view the cattle or receive a sale catalogue Charlie & Susie Dowding Alastair MacPherson

Sign up to AgriHQ’s free upcoming saleyard notifications to find what’s on offer before sale day. Choose which sale yards you want to follow and find out the number and class of stock being entered at the next sale. farmersweekly.co.nz /enewsletters

NATIONWIDE DAIRY SPECIALISTS Go to: www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz Register your requirements and be informed when new listings arrive Selection of listings: • DH2028 – 600 x Xbred herd BW122 PW169, R/A 97% DTC 20/7, tough cows. $1770 Call: Ben 027 702 4196

Monday 8th March 2021 WELLSFORD WEANER STEER FAIR 12pm start Further entries & enquiries Robert McLean 027 590 4829 Tuesday 9th March 2021 KAURI WEANER STEER FAIR 12.30pm start Further entries & enquiries Tim Williamson 027 511 7778

• DAC 1953 – 30 x Xbred Aut calv BW150 PW234 – C/overs, DTC 12/3, Owner bred, $1650 Call: Monty 027 807 0522

Considering the near drought conditions Northland has experienced this summer, the reduction of beef herds due to tree conversions taking place in the Far North, these annual weaner fairs will have some outstanding lines of both traditional & exotic breed calves with Northlands renowned shifting abilities, giving purchasers the confidence of getting good quality, well-bred livestock.

• DH2018 – 230 x Frsn/FrsnX herd BW123 PW152, DTC 20/7 OAD milking, LIC, $1600 Call: Craig 027 292 6828 • DH2046 – 290 x Frsn/X herd BW34 PW33, DTC 20/7 to LIC Strong cows, low SCC, $1650 Call: Kelly 027 600 2374 • DH2032 – 270 Xbred herd, BW 131 PW 147 R/A 99% DTC 15/7, 475 MS, $1650 Call: Tim 027 511 7778 Contact your local agent or call: Trevor Hancock 027 283 8389 or Paul Kane: 027 286 9279

Thursday 11th March 2021 PERIA WEANER STEER, BULL & HFR FAIR 12.30pm start Further entries & enquries Reuben Wright 027 284 6384 or Dan Sweetapple 021 046 0755 Friday 12th March 2021 BROADWOOD WEANER STEER & BULL FAIR 12.30pm start Further entries & enquiries: Dan Sweetapple 021 046 0755

On behalf of Carrfields we look forward to catching up with you at one of the Fairs.

Phone: (06) 862 8077

RANGATIRA FINAL RISING TWO YEAR OLD BULL SALE Wednesday 30 June 2021 at 9am COVENTRY STATION, MURIWAI, GISBORNE

Friday 5th March 2021 KAEO ANNUAL BEEF WEANER FAIR Pupuke Rd, Kaeo, 12.30pm start Comprising approx: 900 Beef Wnr Strs & Hfrs Further entries & enquiries Neil Miller 027 497 3492

Wednesday 10th March 2021 KAIKOHE WEANER STEER FAIR 12.30pm start Further entries & enquiries Reuben Wright 027 284 6384

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Phone: (06) 862 3876 Mobile: 027 475 2798 Email: cdowding@xtra.co.nz

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

Stay ahead of the rest

TANGIHAU TOP GUN N436 The sale will simultaneously be LIVE STREAMED ONLINE with remote bidding available through bidr.co.nz.

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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Tangihau Top Gun - New Zealand’s Top Priced Rising Two Year Old Bull in 2019

Contact: David Anderson 027 498 1201

ANNUAL NORTHERN BEEF WEANER FAIRS

NZRSB

First Sons & Daughters for sale at March Dispersal Sale as Calves

Annual Entries: S & I Maybe, A Lumsden, Henry Farms, D Masters, GJ Stone, Smith & Andrews, Graham Farms, Ninety Mile

More Info: Rachel rachel.pamela.naylor@gmail.com

Email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz or call 0800 85 25 80 today

“The Cream of the Crop!”

Friday 5th March 2021 200 x Charolais X 250 x Angus 20 x 3/4 Hereford 10 x Shorthorn X

Robert McLean 027 590 4829 Livestock Manager Northland

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Free call 0800 474 327

Livestock

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classifieds@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

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www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Livestock Noticeboard

Burying his head, the bull bellowed, dead set on flinging dirt in a 180-degree arc.

STORE LAMBS – Shorn 25-38kg MALE LAMBS 28-33kg

“I wouldn’t be in there with him.” I called, from my seat on a fence post. The cowboy vaulted the yard wall. “You could help!”

16MTH HEIFERS 270-340kg 100 x SCANNED DRY ANGUS COWS

“Try singing to him.” I thumbed a flowershaped patch on my work shirt. “Or find him a girlfriend. A nice cow.” “Come over here then.”

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Supplied by Mary Hamilton

Kakaho Wiltshire For sale ram lambs, ewe lambs and ewes.

ef - No G e Be rie or

The cowboy jammed down his stockman’s hat and followed the jersey bull into the loading yard, as a stock truck rev-revved up the drive.

SALE TALK

STOCK FOR SALE 400 x 6YR ROM EWES Lines 16MTH TRAD STEERS 360-430kg 16MTH FRSN BULLS 430-520kg STOCK REQUIRED

livestock@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

Celebrating

50 Years

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FARMERS WEEKLY – March 1, 2021

New Plymouth

22nd April 2021 Inviting all past/present members and any other expressions of interest contact: Lindy, PBB, 06 323 4484

Phone 03 439 4761

A Financing Solution For Your Farm E info@rdlfinance.co.nz

PRELIMINARY NOTICE ON FARM DISPERSAL SALES OF COWS, HEIFERS & PROGENY

BRECON MILKING SHORTHORNS Selling 12 incalf heifers and 8 R1s at the NZMSA Conference sale

WEDNESDAY 10 MARCH

HM&KM Studholme

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For more information about the stock being offered, see Link Livestock or contact Mark McDonald 0274 790 175 or email redcowfarm@gmail.com

Glenrobin Stud

Mt Dalgety Station

Beltex X Ram Lamb Sale

Rollesby Valley, RD17, Fairlie Commencing 1.30pm

Sale Day: Tuesday 9 March 2021 AUCTION at Gore Showgrounds Viewing from 12pm Sale starts 2pm

– hybrid livestreamed auction

Sired by top pure Beltex Rams: • 23 Beltex X Texel Ram Lambs Robinson Family • 28 Beltex X Suffolk Ram Lambs Robinson Family & Symon Howard (Taronga) • 14 Beltex X South Suffolk Ram Lambs Robinson Family & Doug Irwin (Parmount) • 22 Beltex X Poll Dorset Ram Lambs Robinson Family • 11 Beltex ¾ X Ram Lambs Robinson Family

LK0106077©

Also on

68 R3 Angus Heifers 13 R3 Angus/Hereford x Heifers 60 R3 Angus, Hereford/Friesian x Heifers 8 R3 Angus, Murray Grey x Heifers 88 R4 Angus Heifers 14 R4 Angus/Hereford x Heifers 33 R4 Angus/Hereford/Friesian x Heifers 5 Angus/Murray Grey x Heifers C10 Status. All Cattle will be PTIC Enquiries: Kelvin Sadler 027 4302 029

All Ram Lambs are showing the unique double muscling and the higher yielding density characteristics of the Beltex breed.

Callum McDonald PGGW 027 433 6443 Brent Robinson 03 206 4958 or 027 206 4958 Michael Robinson 027 210 5977

80 PTIC 2 Yr Angus & Angus/Hereford x Heifers 70 PTIC Angus & Angus/Hereford x Cows 150 Angus & Angus/Hereford x Steer Calves 100 Angus & Angus/Hereford x Heifer Calves 25 R 2 Yr Hereford/Friesian x Steers 25 R 2 Yr Hereford/Friesian x Heifers C10 Status Enquiries: Jonty Hyslop 027 5956 450 Full details will be published next week

BW 138

DAIRY HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE PGG Wrightson Dairy representatives are specialists at marketing and selling dairy herds. Benefit from the nationwide team that is dedicated to matching herds with the right buyers and achieving an optimal outcome for your business.

350 Jsy/Jsy X Cows BW 156

PW 153

$1,850+GST

•

RA 89%. DTC 10/7 to LIC 4 weeks 375 Milksolids/System 2 40 years . Chris Ryan 027 243 1078 Agonline ref: 8928

Contact Ella:

0800 85 25 80

BW 37

PW 43

$1,680+GST

•

DTC 15/7 to Ambreeds 5 weeks, 450 milksolids. Dave Stuart 027 224 1049 Agonline ref: 9540

NATIONAL TEAM. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

•

RA 100%. DTC 23/7 to Ambreed 5 weeks – 340 Milksolids, System 2, strong Jsys, great udder confirmation. Regan Craig 027 502 8585 Agonline ref: 9293

170 XBred Cows $1,690+GST

PW 142

•

RA 90%. DTC 15/7 to LIC Kiwi X 4 weeks Rhys Mellow 027 664 5143 Agonline ref: 9524

$1,650+GST

CRV Herd. Milked on dry pumice country. Good capacity Cows on System 1. Joseph Stewart 027 829 8412 Agonline ref: 9391

270 M/A Frsn Frsn X & Jsy Hill Country Herd BW 53/29

PW 73/15

$1,625+GST

Line of 30 Hereford In Calf Heifers, well grown and well marked.

Monday 8th March, 12noon start

Temperament spot on.

Contact: Grant Pallister 0275 902 201

Situated in Southland - $1,400.00

•

Rod Kamphorst 027 499 4937 Agonline ref: 9091

WELLSFORD WEANER STEER FAIR

• Approx 500 head

KAURI WEANER STEER & BULL FAIR Tuesday 9th March,12.30pm start

Wednesday 10th March, 11.30am Masterton Saleyards

For more information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR

$1,700+GST

PW 151

HEREFORD IN CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE

Thursday, 4 March 2021 12.00pm Tuakau Weaner Heifer Fair

Wednesday, 10 March 2021 8.00pm NZ Milking Shorthorn Association AGM Sale

BW 159

•

220 Ambreed Frsn Frsn X Cows

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

Tuesday, 9 March 2021 2.00pm Glenrobin Beltex X Ram Lamb Sale

•

180 CRV Frsn Frsn X Cows

MASTERTON WEANER FAIR

Friday, 5 March 2021 12.00pm Tuakau Weaner Steer & Bull Fair 1.30pm Beltex NZ Fourth Annual Ram Lamb Sale

$1,700+GST

PW 148

BW 120

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

Going Going Gone!

Other

185 Jersey Cows

Enquiries to: Barry McAlister 0274416432

Livestock advertising?

Sheep

RA 95%. DTC 4/7 to LIC Kiwi X 5 weeks, 350 milksolids, complete A1 content, 50 years ownership Shaan Featherstone 027 666 1198 Agonline ref: 9714

Scanned in Calf to Hereford Bull, due 20th August. Photos available. Helping grow the country

Cattle

210 Kiwi X Cows

Tuesday 16th March 2021 27 Hakataramea Highway, Waimate Commencing 11am

This sale is an online auction on BIDR, through agents Link Livestock.

Key: Dairy

Special Entry: A/C McFadzean Cattle Co • Approx 170 McFadzean Meat Maker Weaner Bulls TBD Contact: Andy Jennings 0275 946 820 Johnnie McFadzean 0274 295 777

• Approx 500 head Contact: Ian Munro 0275 986 074

KAIKOHE WEANER STEER FAIR Wednesday 10th March, 1pm start • Approx 800 head Contact: Vaughan Vujcich 0274 968 706

Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Mel Croad

Suz Bremner

Reece Brick

Nicola Dennis

Sarah Friel

Caitlin Pemberton

Deer

Sheep

Cattle BEEF

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.05

4.80

NI lamb (17kg)

6.55

6.90

NI Stag (60kg)

5.30

7.80

NI Bull (300kg)

5.00

4.80

NI mutton (20kg)

5.00

4.55

SI Stag (60kg)

5.45

7.80

NI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.45

SI lamb (17kg)

6.35

6.80

SI Steer (300kg)

4.60

SI mutton (20kg)

5.20

4.20

SI Bull (300kg)

4.60

4.65

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.20

UK CKT lamb leg

10.02

9.93

11.15

US imported 95CL bull

7.61

7.75

7.48

US domestic 90CL cow

7.61

6.81

7.90

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

6.50

8.0

South Island steer slaughter price

$/kg CW

10.0 South Island lamb slaughter price

Oct

(NZ$/kg)

Dairy

Jun

Aug 2020-21

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Apr 2019-20

Jun

Aug 2020-21

Prior week

Last year

Coarse xbred ind.

2.13

2.08

2.53

37 micron ewe

1.80

1.85

30 micron lamb

1.93

2.15

$/tonne

6.50 6.00

567

2.45

Super

305

314

3.80

DAP

849

787

vs 4 weeks ago

7.25

$/tonne

7.34

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Feb-21

14.76

15.99

14.5

The a2 Milk Company Limited

9.34

12.5

8.92

Mainfreight Limited

65.9

69.98

64.85

Fletcher Building Limited

6.51

6.7

5.67

Infratil Limited

7.3

7.9

7.12

Listed Agri Shares

5pm, close of market, Thursday

8.92

3.2

3.48

3.1

Delegat Group Limited

15.4

13.75

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

5.03

5.05

4.35

Foley Wines Limited

1.95

2.07

1.89

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.9

0.81

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.61

0.44

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.47

1.72

1.45

PGG Wrightson Limited

3.56

3.65

3.14

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.5

0.61

0.495

Sanford Limited (NS)

4.45

5.23

4.3

Scales Corporation Limited

4.7

5.09

4.48

Seeka Limited

4.92

4.94

4.66

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

4.07

5.24

4.02

T&G Global Limited

2.96

2.9

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

14568

15491

14568

S&P/NZX 50 Index

12141

13558

12141

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11997

13978

11997

390

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Feb-21

350 $/tonne

4.635

7.6

Comvita Limited

400

3400

4.97

Ryman Healthcare Limited

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3600

4.71

0.161

Feb-20

3800

Spark New Zealand Limited

12.5

380

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

6.65

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

385

* price as at close of business on Thursday

7.99

9.34

395

7.39

7.4

The a2 Milk Company Limited

2825

Milk Price

5.5

Auckland International Airport Limited

405

2830

3430

9.94

YTD Low

2835

3460

5.56

0.195

SMP

3500

28.61

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

YTD High

400

Butter

YTD Low

36.21

0.177

3420

4050

YTD High

28.76

ArborGen Holdings Limited

3640

4100

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

3735

4140

Company

WMP

AMF

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

390

Feb-20

Fertiliser 637

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

Aug 2020-21

637

395

380

Oct-20 Dec-20 Sept. 2022

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Last price*

Jun

Urea

385

Nearby contract

Apr 2019-20

Last year

400

7.00

Jun-20 Aug-20 Sept. 2021

Feb

Prior week

405

Apr-20

Dec

Last week

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

7.50

Feb-20

Oct

FERTILISER Last week

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

5.50

7.0

5-yr ave

WOOL

2019-20

8.0

5.0

4.50 Apr

9.0

6.0

5.00

Feb

South Island stag slaughter price

11.0

5.50

5-yr ave

$/kg MS

5.0

7.0

5.0

Dec

7.0

6.0

6.00

Oct

8.0

$/kg CW

4.50

$/kg CW

9.0

6.50

9.0

6.0

5.0

5.00

Last year

10.0

7.0

5.50

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.0

6.0

4.00

US$/t

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

8.0

6.00

4.00

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

William Hickson

Ingrid Usherwood

300 250

3200

Mar

Apr May Latest price

Jun

Jul 4 weeks ago

Aug

200

Feb-20

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Feb-21

14568

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12141

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

11997

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview Welcome to March. On the meteorological calendar we are now officially in autumn, but on the astronomical calendar (earth’s annual journey around the sun), we still have another three weeks of summer to go. The weather at this time of the year can be both summer-like, but that windier autumn westerly can kick in too. That is looking to be the case over the next week or two, as we see an uptick in lows in the Southern Ocean and southern Tasman Sea area moving through. The tropics is also firing up again after a quiet past couple of weeks. We’re expecting tropical cyclones to form around Australia in the coming week; a low threat to New Zealand, but still worth monitoring.

Export volumes, market activity builds confidence

25-02/2021

Sarah Friel sarah.friel@globalhq.co.nz

R Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Temperature

Wind

Windy autumn westerlies kick in on Tuesday and Wednesday in many places, then we see cooler sou’westers late in the week turning colder south to south-east by the weekend. Next week, southerlies look to fade as another big high rolls in.

Highlights/ Extremes

You may say it’s starting to feel a lot like autumn, especially as this week kicks off warmer than average, but then by late week or this weekend, it will be colder than average in many places thanks to a southerly change.

14-day outlook

This week kicks off with high pressure slowly departing, which will see the nor’east flow many places have had for the past week or longer fade away and turn windier north-west. A cooler sou’west change kicks in by Thursday, while an even colder southerly injection comes in this coming weekend – snow on the Southern Alps again. At the same time, a tropical cyclone will likely be around New Caledonia, but with high pressure and southerlies in NZ, it’s currently a low threat cyclone here.

NZ is still drying out and while showers and some relief are forecast, it is not widespread and heavy enough to make serious inroads into developing droughts. The tropical cyclone risk north of NZ is worth monitoring over the next week too.

7-day rainfall forecast

100

200

ECENT export market activity should build New Zealand farmers’ confidence. This month marked Chinese New Year, which has led to less port activity in China as the country shut down to celebrate the holiday. Reportedly, some areas of the country took leave earlier than others to stagger travel and minimise the risk of covid-19 transmission. Despite this, the Chinese markets remain strong and orders have continued to flow into NZ exporters. Strong activity from China this month is a continuation of January buying patterns. The Chinese mutton market was a notable feature. With strong mutton prices in China, often on parity with lamb values, the rest of the mutton markets are not getting traction. In January, NZ exported 11,400 tonnes of mutton, 85% of which went to China, while market share for the Middle East, the rest of Asia and Europe diminished. However, UK buyers were prepared to compete for mutton and UK imports grew by 61t monthto-month to 300t due to strong take-away consumption, and US volumes were steady at 225t. While mutton is in strong demand, mutton supply has been patchy, as usual. Production took a backstep over December and the start of January to prioritise chilled lamb for the Christmas and Easter markets. Building ewe slaughter rates from mid-January have provided a good supply, but the mutton kill is beginning to take a backseat now as more lambs present at processors. With a diminishing ewe flock and a ewe slaughter that is currently 25% ahead of last year for the season to date, the mutton supply is

400

Showers are in the forecast this week, with a low in the south bringing a burst of rain. The forecast for the next week or so is a bit patchy. It’s ideally not the set up many would like to get out of the big dry/drought that has set in for some. In saying that, there will be hit-and-miss relief over the coming week. Rainfall totals aren’t great for all, but it’s not looking completely dry either.

Weather brought to you in partnership with weatherwatch.co.nz

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likely to hit the brakes soon. Low production levels also capped January’s lamb exports somewhat. North Island lamb slaughter was reduced by 8% from December 3 to January 14, while South Island production dipped from the end of December to mid-January. This contributed to January lamb exports only totalling 22,300t, a reduction from both December’s volume (22,600t) and year-ago levels (26,800t). Despite low January export volumes, both China and the US imports increased compared to year-ago levels, with a lack of competing supply from our main competitor, Australia, boosting the market share of NZ lamb. In contrast to the sheep meat volumes, beef volumes surpassed the five-year average export volume for January, which reflects strong prime slaughter rates this season. However, getting beef into the Chinese markets is not as easy as it once was, especially when we compare today’s situation with the insatiable demand for NZ beef that took place during China’s protein supply issues through 2018-19. An increasing supply of competing South American beef exports to the Chinese markets is an issue. Year-on-year, Brazil and Uruguay’s January beef exports to China have grown by 15,500t. On a positive note, a lack of competing supply of grass-fed lean beef from Australia is holding up the US manufacturing beef market and US imports were steady on December’s levels. These could be set to build momentum due to Australia sustaining a slow cattle kill. Overall, January’s market activity was very positive, especially considering key markets and domestic production had to build from a slow start due to Christmas break. With China and America showing steady demand and global vaccine roll-outs underway, there are no imminent trade threats apparent.

STILL BEHIND: Low production levels also capped January’s lamb exports somewhat, AgriHQ analyst Sarah Friel says.

SALE YARD WRAP

Charolais shine at Rangiuru Charolais and Charolais-cross shone at one of the first beef weaner fairs for the season, held at Rangiuru. Autumn-born annual draft Charolais bulls were impressive in both size and weight and at 406-520kg, sold for breeding at $1680-$2000. The top pens of steers reached $790-$900 and heifers, $630-$730. NORTHLAND Wellsford store cattle • R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 464-526kg, improved to $2.49-$2.59/ kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 296-385kg, returned $2.50-$2.57/kg • R2 Angus-Friesian and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 289-385kg, returned $2.50-$2.57/kg • Nine weaner Hereford heifers, 228-251kg, realised $625-$700 Selling resumed at WELLSFORD last Monday after a few weeks’ hiatus, and 452 cattle were offered. Heifers accounted for close to 50% of that total and buyers were selective throughout. R3 Angus-Friesian steers, 475-546kg, held at $2.47-$2.51/kg while 399kg pushed to $2.68/kg. Five R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 271kg, fetched $2.91/kg. R2 Murray Grey-Friesian heifers, 338-393kg, were well-contested at $2.49-$2.52/kg while Hereford-dairy, 316397kg, managed $2.34-$2.43/kg. Most R2 bulls, 319-350kg, earned $2.43/kg. Autumn-born weaner Hereford-Friesian and Hereford-dairy steers, 241-313kg, returned $745-$955. Read more in your LivestockEye. Dargaville weaner fair • Top weaner steers achieved around the $800 mark • Weaner dairy-beef steers earned $660 • Top weaner heifers realised $700 • Better weaner dairy-beef heifers fetched $550-$600 The weaner fair in DARGAVILLE was much smaller than what has been seen in other years, mostly driven by land use changes. There were approximately 300 head of weaners combined with some older cattle, and good quality yearlings fetched $1000 and above.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Hereford-Friesian steers, 345kg, made $2.90/kg • Weaner heifers 130-200kg realised $420-$550 • Prime Angus-cross steers, 720kg, reached $2.58/kg • Good ewes realised $130-$170 Store cattle from outside the region boosted numbers at TUAKAU last Thursday, PGG Wrightson agent Chris Elliott reported. The 900-head yarding included steers, 480-600kg, at $2.50-$2.65/kg while 400-480kg returned $2.60/kg to $2.78/kg, and 300-400kg, $2.60/kg to $2.90/kg. Weaner steers, 120-220kg, fetched $400-$720. Heifers, 400-470kg, managed $2.40-$2.48/kg and 280-380kg, $2.45-$2.65/kg. Steers eased by 4-5c/kg on Wednesday and medium to heavy traded at $2.45-$2.58/kg. Heavy heifers earned $2.45$2.52/kg and medium, $2.34-$2.44/kg. Beef cows sold up to $1.90/kg, with heavy Friesians at $1.45/kg to $1.70/kg and medium, $1.30-$1.45/kg. Heavy prime lambs returned $125-$155 on Monday and store lambs, $40 to $85. Medium ewes made $100-$130 and lighter types sold down to $50.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle sale 23.2 • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 387-435kg, topped their section at $2.39-$2.46/kg • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 129-147kg, strengthened to $505-$572 • Prime steers, 526-596kg, returned $2.47-$2.50/kg Throughput increased to 326 head at FRANKTON last Tuesday for PGG Wrightson. Hereford-Friesian filled the R2 heifer pens and 12 good types, 346-396kg, held at $2.36$2.44/kg with 300kg at $2.55/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 130kg, strengthened to $415 while Friesian bulls, 138kg, returned $310. Boner cows made up close to 50% of the prime section and Friesian, 560-610kg, mostly held at $1.38-$1.49/kg while 455-559kg softened to $1.29-$1.39/kg. Prime Angus-Friesian heifers, 456-485kg, strengthened to $2.35-$2.40/kg, as did Hereford-Friesian, 420-421kg, up to $2.42-$2.47/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle sale 24.2 • All R3 heifers, 405-430kg, managed a consistent $2.31-$2.35/kg • Twelve well-marked weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 157kg, achieved $550 • Prime steers, 531-577kg, held value at $2.45-$2.55/kg Store throughput was 215 head for New Zealand Farmers

Livestock last Wednesday at FRANKTON. Seven R2 Hereford-dairy steers, 396kg, realised $2.53/kg while the balance of traditional-cross and exotic-cross, 390-395kg, earned $2.41-$2.46/kg. Weaners accounted for over 75% of the store pens. Autumn-born weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 228kg, topped their section at $685, and Friesian bulls, 248kg, managed $605. Weaner Friesian bulls above 150kg earned $400-$472 with those under 120kg at $300$340. Boner cows, 430-503kg, held at $1.35-$1.42/kg though five Friesian-cross, 576kg, pushed to $1.72/kg. In-calf Hereford cows, 593kg, were purchased to calve on at $1130. Read more in your LivestockEye. Kauroa weaner fair • Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian steers traded at $1080-$1205 • Weaner Charolais-cross steers fetched $800-$900 • Weaner Angus steers realised $850-$890 • Weaner Angus heifers returned $615-$670 Just under 300 weaners were penned at KAUROA last Thursday with a smaller bench of buyers in place though agents with orders kept competition strong, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughn Larsen reported. Autumn-born Charolaiscross steers returned $1045 with same breed heifers at $620-$720. Smaller weaner Angus-Hereford steers managed $540-$645 and similar weighted beef-cross heifers, $515$600.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Prime Angus-cross bulls, 705kg, made $2.90/kg • Prime Friesian and Friesian-cross bulls, 685kg, earned $2.84/kg • Prime Hereford-Friesian bulls, 628kg, fetched $2.77/kg • Vetted-in-calf Friesian cows, 613kg, returned $2.69/kg R2 cattle contributed most of the store section at RANGIURU last Tuesday. Steers were mostly HerefordFriesian and sold in two cuts: the best 322-430kg attracted bids of $2.50-$2.61/kg while lesser quality cattle of similar weight sold from $2.21/kg to $2.45/kg. Half the heifers were Hereford-Friesian, 375-422kg, and ranged from $2.32/kg to $2.50/kg while Hereford, 233-353kg, made $2.23-$2.31/ kg. The top Angus bulls, 326kg, fetched $2.52/kg and 361kg Jersey made $2.51/kg. Lambs mostly earned $80-$135 while ewes averaged $130. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rangiuru weaner fair • Autumn-born Charolais bulls, 406-520kg, fetched $1680-$2000 • Hereford bulls, 250-271kg, earned $820-$940 while 225-257kg were $600-$670 • Traditional steers, 166-292kg, returned $560-$830 Sale goers heading to RANGIURU’s weaner fair last Wednesday saw plenty of quality cattle offered though a tail-end was present as well in the 1200 head yarding. Most dairy-beef bulls over 120kg fetched $300-$450 while Friesian were generally $275-$500. The top steers were Charolais, 292-311kg, at $895-$900 and 210-266kg from $640 to $720. The margin between the top Charolais-cross and traditional heifers was not as wide as found in the male pens as the best, 257-262kg, made $710-$730 versus $640$690 for the highest priced Hereford. Most of the Charolais and Charolais-cross, 190-247kg, earned $530-$660 while traditional pens of similar weight were often $455-$660. Hereford-Friesian, 157-174kg, were valued at $440-$475. Read more in your LivestockEye.

KING COUNTRY Te Kuiti sale • 2th ewes made $168 • Wethers traded at $161-$171 • Top store lambs earned $105 with medium $91.50-$94 and light $70-$83 • R3 Simmental-cross and Angus steers, 465-499kg, sold at $2.68/ kg There were approximately 400 cattle at TE KUITI last Friday. The best of the R3 Hereford-Friesian, 565-579kg, made $2.50/kg to $2.61/kg.R2 Friesian bulls, 313kg, fetched $2.52/kg. R2 Charolais heifers, 334-384kg, earned $2.38$2.45/kg, with 365-393kg Hereford-Friesian, $2.20/kg to $2.38/kg.

On Wednesday, prime lambs sold on par to the previous week with heavy lambs at $120-$132 and the next cut $114$118.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Better ram lambs earned $90-$105 with lighter types at $69 • Store Romney ewes mostly fetched $125-$127 • Heavy prime lambs firmed to $135-$143.50 with the balance at $109-$120 • Prime ewes earned around $130 • Prime rams held at $71-$79 There was around 400 store lambs at MATAWHERO last Friday. Male lambs earned $85-$92, with better ewe lambs at $72-$87 and the next cut at $60. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • R3 Hereford-Friesian steers mostly traded at $2.50-$2.60/kg • R3 Hereford bulls, 814kg, sold at $2.58/kg • Better R3 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 465kg, earned $2.47/kg • R2 Simmental-cross heifers, 453kg, made $2.67/kg • Prime steers held at $2.58-$2.62/kg Over a third of the yarding at TARANAKI last Wednesday were R2 heifer and this market held with the bulk around the $2.35-$2.45/kg mark. A large portion of R2 steers sold at $2.62-$2.72/kg, with the next cut at $2.40-$2.50/kg. Weaner steers, 133-143kg, traded at $470-$485 and 111kg HerefordFriesian heifers, $320. Friesian boner cows earned $1.57/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Heavy to very heavy ewes held value at $131.50-$156 • Good to very good ewes remained steady at $117.50-$130 • Very heavy rams lifted to $110 • Good male lambs returned $112.50 Tallies equalled just a quarter of the week prior at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday. Ewes filled over 80% of the pens and good competition from the rails kept the market steady for most. A small top end of mixed age and 4-tooth ewes improved to $165-$167. Medium ewes were mainly steady at $97.50-$111 and light-medium, $86-$95. Lambs totalled just four pens and heavy mixed-sex fetched $119.50-$126. No cattle were offered. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • A line of 35 R3 Angus and Angus-cross steers sold for $1320, $2.68/kg • Fifteen R2 Angus steers, 380kg, fetched $2.82/kg • Good wether lambs sold for $89.50-$94 • Good ewe lambs made $87-$93.50 Cattle tallied up to just 140 at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, though featured some good lines of traditional cattle. R2 Angus heifers, 331-400kg, were consistent at $2.40-$2.43/kg while two lines of Hereford-dairy, 242251kg, varied significantly from $2.19/kg to $2.36/kg. R3 heifers of the same breed and 473-496kg returned $2.24$2.30/kg. Store lamb tallies lifted to just over 2000, though that was nearly half the total volume for February. Good ram lambs were few but sold well at $99-$109.50 while medium wethers returned $85-$91. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Friesian heifers, 399kg, fetched $2.14/kg • Friesian cows, 450-590kg, were generally $1.40-$1.48/kg Half of the lambs at FEILDING last Monday fetched $131.50-$148.50 with a small pen of rams slightly higher at $154. The balance were medium-good lambs that sold at $109-$127 for the most part. The top cut of the ewes earned $146-$147 with the biggest portion of the offering $110-$137. Medium ewes managed $79-$99. A few exsire bulls included a 650kg Speckle Park that made $2.65/

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021

GOOD DAY: Yardman Ginge emulates buyers and sellers faces at the Rangiuru weaner fair last Wednesday as both left satisfied with the day’s results. Photo: Hayley-Grace Davies

kg, and a 750kg Hereford at $2.60/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

CANTERBURY

Feilding store sale • R3 Angus steers, 505-630kg, were $2.70-$2.80/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 345-385kg, made $2.80-$2.95/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 310-395kg, made $2.40/kg • Good 5-year and mixed-age ewes were $135-$155 • Male store lambs averaged $100 A little under 600 store cattle mainly sold to a steady or weaker market at FEILDING. There weren’t a lot of benchmark lines sold outside of what is highlighted above. Some 485kg R2 Friesian bulls were $2.30/kg and 325-355kg R2 Angus heifers made $2.45-$2.55/kg. A consignment of dairy-beef heifers, run with the Angus bull from January 15th, were $2.20-$2.40/kg for 415-460kg. A lot of standard, sub-350kg dairy-beef heifers sold for $1.90-$2.10/kg. A yarding of almost 9000 store lambs made similar cash as the week before. Good male lambs were mostly $105$110 with some very heavies up at $120-$125. Medium males were $95-$105 and the lighter end $80-$90. There were more ewe lambs – these mainly made $80-$90, with lighter cuts $65-$80. Purebred Wiltshire ewe lambs made $175-$255. It was tough selling for the 2000 ewes. Good 6-tooth were $160-$170, with medium 5-year and mixedaged ewes $115-$130. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rongotea cattle • R3 Hereford and Speckle Park bulls, 440-653kg, earned $2.39/kg to $2.56/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 229kg, made $2.75/kg • Friesian boner cows, 395-648kg, sold up to $1.45/kg • Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 137-215kg, achieved $460-$500 Better quality cattle were in demand, while lesser types struggled at RONGOTEA last Tuesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 435kg, earned $2.21/kg and 325-505kg heifers, $2.00/kg to $2.37/kg. Weaner HerefordFriesian and Angus-cross steers, 137kg, eased to $450-$490, and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 172-285kg, traded at $430$540.

Canterbury Park prime cattle and all sheep 23.2, store cattle 24.2 • A prime 660kg Charolais-Hereford steer was pushed to $2.78/kg • Prime traditional bulls, 620-655kg, often made $2.52-$2.57/kg • Top prime lambs earned $166 Cropping farmers pushed the store lamb market along at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday. Forward store lambs earned $97-$111 with medium lambs generally $71-$96. Most prime lambs were good or medium-good types that earned $95-$141 with very few outside this range. The top ewe price was $248 with very-heavy and heavy pens $180$240. Most of the trading occurred amongst the good pens at $118-$150. A few larger exotic steers managed $2.63-$2.67/kg but otherwise those over 500kg that were not dairy based earned $2.45-$2.55/kg. Heifers sold mostly within a tight range of $2.30-$2.38/kg regardless of breed. The store cattle sale on Wednesday was harder work. The highest priced R2 pen was 361kg Angus steers at $2.70/kg, but that was as good as it got with Angus and Angus-Hereford, 380-396kg, next best at $2.49-$2.54/kg. Outside of these lines a wide variety of prices were recorded with the better end of 300400kg steers and heifers typically $2.00/kg to $2.27/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Coalgate cattle and sheep • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 356-396kg, sold to $2.06-$2.10/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 283-404kg, made $1.89-$1.95/kg • Weaner Charolais-cross bulls, 261kg, earned $610 • Mixed age rams and wethers reached $260-$270 The top prime lambs reached $150-$158 at COALGATE last Thursday and the bulk of the offering was evenly spread out from $100 to $149. Top ewes fetched $160-$230 with the lion’s share $111-$159 and lighter pens typically $62-$109. Store lambs remained popular with over a third of the tally $100-$110. A similar number sold within the $90-$99 range while most of the remainder fetched $70-$87. A third of the prime tally was steers and most over 500kg fetched $2.26/kg to $2.46/kg. Beef-cross heifers, 460kg and over, sold inside a range of $2.21/kg to $2.36/kg but lesser and off types were harder work. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime cattle and all sheep • Angus steers, 515-615kg, earned $2.43-$2.50/kg • Traditional heifers, 438-670kg, fetched $2.20-$2.29/kg • Friesian cows, 515-710kg, earned $1.44-$1.55/kg • Hereford and Murray Grey bulls, 699-700kg, managed $2.57$2.58/kg The heaviest store lambs at TEMUKA last Monday earned $120-$128 with medium pens $95-$112. The prime lamb offering was of a decent size and the bulk of the tally traded for $110-$160. Ewe quality was more mixed than the previous sale, but most lines again ranged from $120-$186. Many steers were Hereford-Friesian and along with other dairy-beef breeds earned $2.29-$2.39/kg for those over 500kg. Of the 40 bulls offered, 22 were Angus. Two-thirds were good yielding 608-640kg that made $2.62/kg, but others were heavy ex-sires and made similar money. Read more in your LivestockEye.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep • Heavy prime ewes held at $140-$160, medium $120-$130 and light $80-$100 • Prime rams earned $100 There was a smaller yarding of prime lambs at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday. Values eased with heavy types at $130-$140, medium $110-$120 and light $100. Store lambs met with good demand. The top end firmed to $90$105, with medium $70-$85 and small $50.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville sheep • Heavy prime ewes eased to $144-$188 with medium $110-$141 and light $78-$100 • Local trade rams held at $50 Heavy prime lambs eased to $117-$125 at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday with medium at $107-$115 and light $90-$106. Prime 2-tooths earned $100, medium $78-$88 and light $20-$60. Top store lambs held at $90-$100, while light to medium types firmed to $70-$89.

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Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 1, 2021 NI BULL

NI LAMB

SI LAMB

($/KG)

6.55

5.00

6.35

R3 HEREFORD-FRIESIAN STEERS, 455KG AVERAGE, AT WELLSFORD ($/KG LW)

2.51

Tough going selling Merinos at ewe fair Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

CAPITAL stock line of Merino ewes was all that held the annual Omarama Ewe Fair together. Peter Walsh & Associates auctioneer Madison Taylor says with very little interest in breeding ewes, it was a battle to sell the Merinos, although the half-breds fared a little better. “A lot of ewes struggled from a real lack of interest with people just not getting into breeding,” Taylor said. “We had a handful of regular buyers, but no real new faces. “The feature of the day was a capital stock line from Rugged Ridges that held the sale together.” It was the processors that kept the sale honest. “There’s good demand at present for the lesser quality cuts of meat and processed meats, so we had processors buying up good numbers, it was processors versus a very few other buyers on the Merinos,” he said. “They kept everyone honest on the buying front.” The half-bred ewes had a better run. “We had good numbers of halfbreds and they were singing along very well,” he said. Unlike the Merinos that on average fetched values $20 under expectation, the half-breds were $15-$20 ahead of the market. “It would be fair to say it was about meeting the market and that’s all you can ask for,” he said. The top price in the half-breds was $206 for a line of two-tooths sold by Awarima Farming Partnership

HARD SELL: Peter Walsh & Associates auctioneer Madison Taylor says with very little interest in breeding ewes, it was a battle to sell the Merinos.

from Fairlie, while the four, five and six-year-old half-bred ewes from Maryburn Station in Tekapo sold from $150-$183. In the Merinos it was a line of 1200 two-tooths from The Wolds in Tekapo that fetched the top price of the day at $187, while a line of annual draft ewes sold for $132. On average across the two sales other Merino ewes sold from $100$120. Just under 9000 ewes were offered from 22 stations across both the Omarama and Tekapo sales.

The feature of the day was a capital stock line from Rugged Ridges that held the sale together. Madison Taylor Peter Walsh & Associates

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$95-$110 high $695-$800 steers, 226-267kg, Medium to good male lights Angus lambs, at Feilding store at Rangiuru weaner fair sheep

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Heavier calves, realistic prices THE beef weaner fair season is fast approaching and a quick whip around the North Island regions shows that the consensus is that calves will be heavier than last year and prices more realistic. One common sentiment was that if we can avoid a lockdown, we are already doing better than 2020. The first real test for the market will be at Stortford Lodge on Tuesday and Wednesday. Redshaw Livestock agent Dean Freeman says that after last year’s drought and lockdown, there has been more motivation to offload calves earlier, as “this year people are focused to get on and sell”. “Last year many decided not to sell at the first fair, but as lockdown hit there was no second fair held and that compounded with drought meant for a very tough period,” Freeman said. Last year 2600 calves sold over the first two-day fair, but this year expected throughput is approaching 3000. That sort of volume should bring out the buyers, especially considering the quality that will be offered. “We always go into the first fair worried about grass, but buyers will travel when there is a bigger volume on offer that justifies the trip. That sort of volume may make a few sellers nervous, but it will attract the buyers.” he said. “And while expectations are not high, steer vendors should be happy with values in the early $3/kg range, especially since weights will be better this year.” While the fair calendar boasts the same sales as last year, there has been some shuffling around to allow for Easter and Anzac Day, as well as some yards opting to start later. Feilding will start selling weaners in volume at the end of March, while the Masterton sale yards are ready and waiting for their first run in the second week of March. Agents in both Manawatu and Wairarapa echoed Freeman’s sentiment that calves will be heavier and prices for steers likely to fall somewhere between $3.00/kg and $3.30/kg. At Frankton, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughn Larsen says they were hoping for the best at their sales in the next few weeks. “Grass levels are better than last year, which is a bonus, but while the market won’t be worse than last year, there is still a lot of uncertainty around everything,” he said. suz.bremner@gobalhq.co.nz

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Farmers Weekly NZ March 1 2021

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